Del. Doyle Niemann to Vacate Maryland House to Run for Prince George's County Council // PLUS: Will Campos for Delegate?

Maryland Juice just received the email blast below from Delegate Doyle Niemann indicating he is retiring from the House of Delegates to run for the Prince George's County Council in the June 2014 Democratic Primary. Del. Niemann currently represents District 47 in the House of Delegates, in a 3-member district alongside Jolene Ivey and Michael Summers. But notably, District 47 was split into two new districts in last year's state legislative redistricting. In 2014, D47 will become District 47A (a two-member majority African American district) and District 47B (a single-member majority Hispanic district).

With this change ahead of him, Niemann is now leaving the legislature to run for the District 2 seat on the Prince George's Council currently held by Councilmember Will Campos. The announcement represents a bit of musical chairs, given that The Gazette reported last year that Campos' is likely to exit the Council to run for the new House of Delegates District 47B (excerpt below):

GAZETTE: Campos became the first Latino member of the council after winning a Nov. 2, 2004, special election to replace a council member who resigned. He was successful in both re-election bids in 2006 and 2010. Once his term ends, Campos said he is considering continuing his political career by running for the newly created District 47b delegate seat, which serves a population that is 62 percent Hispanic....

Below you can read Delegate Doyle Niemann's announcement for the Prince George's County Council:

I am running for the County Council.

A Decision for the County Council I wanted you to be one of the first to know that I am running for the Prince George's County Council in District 2 in next June's Democratic Primary rather than for reelection to the House of Delegates. It was not an easy decision. I have accomplished many things in the House that I am proud of (and I still have one more session to wrap up some unfinished business) but after much thought and advice from friends and supporters, I have come to realize that my experience may be more useful on the County Council. As a criminal prosecutor in the county for almost 16 years, as well as an elected member of the Mt. Rainier City Council, the Democratic Central Committee, the Prince George's School Board, and for the last 11 years, the Maryland House of Delegates, I have accumulated a base of experience in most of the critical areas facing our county. I want to put that to work for: Stronger code enforcement and a more aggressive approach towards dilapidated and abandoned properties.   A housing policy focused on meeting the needs of current residents--especially seniors who want to stay in the community as they age--as well asattracting new families who can strengthen our communities.   Economic development that attracts quality projects without disrupting existing neighborhoods--development tailored to our strengths and needs not just the latest fad or developer gimmick.   Law enforcement and a justice system that work to stop problems before they begin and that break the cycle of criminal behavior that has befallen too many of our young.   Schools that work--with more cooperation between the school system and the county government and more emphasis on tailoring education to the needs of our students and our community.   More effective and efficient services--a government in which citizens are treated with respect and problems are addressed in a timely fashion. I will be expanding on these points in the future. In the meantime, I need your help. Spread the word. Invite me to meet your neighbors and community groups.   Join the campaign committee now being formed.   Agree to put up a lawn sign in the Spring.   Join me in going door to door.   Make a contribution. Campaigns cost. I'd rather be indebted to you than others. Send a check to Friends of Doyle Niemann, P.O. Box 51, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712. Good government only happens when people like you get involved and make it happen. Call me at 240-606-1298 or email me at doyleniemann@verizon.net today and tell me what you think and what you will do to help. Doyle Niemann

GUEST POST: Del. Eric Luedtke Defends Veterans Hall Gaming Law // MoCo Lawmaker Responds to PG Del. Doyle Niemann

Delegate Eric Luedtke

BACKGROUND: Yesterday, Maryland Juice published a guest post from Delegate Doyle Niemann. The Prince George's County Democratic lawmaker sought to rebut claims about Maryland's new gambling law that appeared on Maryland Juice. In particular, his piece challenged suggestions made by Del. Eric Luedtke and Fred Nordham, a member of the Prince George's Veterans Commission, that an expansion of gaming machines at veterans halls would have a limited impact on the State.

Delegate Luedtke, a Montgomery County Democrat, now provides Maryland Juice with a response to Doyle Niemann's guest post. Luedtke further explains the rationale for parts of the gambling law below. You can read the provisions of the new gaming law online.

Sensible Gaming Policy in Maryland

by Delegate Eric Luedtke

I think it’s worth responding to Del. Niemann’s point, but in the broader context of where the legislature is driving gaming policy in Maryland.

GUEST POST: Del. Doyle Niemann Slams Veterans Hall Gaming Law // Prince George's Official Says Slots Will Spread in MD

Delegate Doyle Niemann

Today Delegate Doyle Niemann, a Prince George's County Democrat, provided Maryland Juice with a lengthy criticism of Maryland's new gambling expansion law. In particular, he condemns a new provision allowing slot machines at neighborhood veterans halls. We print his response below, along a little bit of background on the new controversy.

BACKGROUND: Last Friday, Maryland Juice reported on a small but significant change to the State's new gambling expansion law that would allow slot machines at "veterans halls" sprinkled throughout Maryland. We feared that this particular gambling expansion provision would lead to neighborhood slot machine sites in numerous residential neighborhoods. In fact, the way the newly passed law is structured, veterans halls would get to operate slot machines -- whether or not the November gambling expansion referendum passes. Our piece generated a response from Del. Eric Luedtke of Montgomery County and Fred Nordham from the Prince George's Commission for Veterans. Both readers strongly challenged our characterization of the "neighborhood slots" expansion and insisted that the machines were different from slots and could not be used by those who were not members of the veterans halls.