'No Slots' Chairman Files for Vacant Council Seat

The former chairman of the group that opposed bringing slot machines near Arundel Mills Mall said he has filed paperwork to apply for the vacant District 1 County Council seat.

David Jones, the former chairman of the “No Slots at the Mall” campaign, told Patch in an interview he is seeking the position on the council because of the important issues facing District 1, including discussion of a CSX rail facility in Hanover, road expansion and funding for parks and recreation.

“I had no intention of seeking office, but I felt like someone needed to step in because there are a lot of important issues coming down the pike, and District 1 needs effective leadership,” Jones said.

The seat for District 1 has been vacant since January when the  after he was found guilty of tax evasion and sentenced to five months in prison.

Those interested in filling the seat have until Feb. 10 to submit a resume, cover letter and financial statement. Candidates must be a registered Democrat and live in District 1.

The council is scheduled to appoint the new member by resolution Feb. 16, and a swearing-in ceremony would follow on Feb. 21.

David Jones, 37, is a Democrat who resides in Hanover with his wife and young daughter. He is a systems analyst for Constellation Energy.

His residency near Arundel Mills led him to closely follow the discussion of installing 4,750 slots as part of a complex near the mall, and he led an effort to oppose a zoning change allowing for the facility.

The “No Slots at the Mall” campaign succeeded in collecting enough signatures to get the measure placed on the Election Day ballot in November of 2010, but 

The Cordish Co. is constructing the Maryland Live! casino and entertainment complex now, and is , pending approval from the Maryland Lottery.

David Jones said after voters approved the measure allowing slots at the mall, he considered moving from the area. But he said he had a change of heart.

“Time heals all wounds,” he said. “To be frank, that’s over with. The casino is here, and we want the casino to be as profitable as possible.”

Jones said he has not given much thought to how long he might like to serve on the County Council if he is selected to fill the open seat. But he said that in the short term, key issues affecting District 1 include road improvements needed due to population and employment growth in the area, funding for the county Department of Parks and Recreation and the impact of a potential depot for the CSX rail company.

Jones acknowledged he has never held political office, but pointed to his experience on the board of the Jessup Improvement Association and as a head of committees at his work and church. 

Jones said he spoke with Maryland Delegates Pam Beidle and Theodore Sophocleus, as well as Sen. Ed DeGrange, and said he received positive feedback.

“I think my lack of government experience is an asset because I’m not fixed in the way I think about things,” he said.