" ... just one lady who was unhappy" as Del. Sue Hecht trys to run Frederick government

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: FREDERICK, Md. -- Frederick County commissioners last week narrowly rejected a bid for tighter regulation of tip jars, a type of legal gambling that draws more dollars in the county than the state lottery. : Those in the 3-2 majority said they opposed government interference with the handling of gambling proceeds by private clubs and taverns that offer the games. : Proponents of tighter regulation contend weak accountability and enforcement standards may be shortchanging some charities, the supposed beneficiaries of tip jars. : "Everyone is happy with what's going on. Apparently, there was just one lady who was unhappy," said local Amvets club member Hugh Warner in an apparent reference to state delegate Sue Hecht. : Hecht, D-Frederick, and Washington, had asked the commissioners to create a task force to examine the county's oversight, which she considers inadequate. She estimates about 13 percent of last year's $5.1 million in tip jar profits went to charities. : Frederick County tip jars attracted $27.4 million in wagers last year, according to county records, compared with $22.6 million spent on Maryland State Lottery games in the county during the same period. : Hecht was disappointed by the vote but pleased that the commissioners had informally agreed to request another internal audit. Auditors recommended in 1995 and 1997 tighter controls. : "There is ample indication and evidence and recommendations that something needs to be done," Hecht said. "Anything they can do to increase standards, I think is a win." : Hecht said she favors the type of tip-jar oversight adopted years ago by neighboring Washington County, where a county gaming commission collects a share of the proceeds and distributes the money to charities. : Her task-force proposal was backed by Jan Gardner, the board's only Democrat, and President David Gray. Gray said he had no proof that charities had been shortchanged but that he had heard enough to warrant a closer look. : "It's good to keep the light of day on these things, particularly in the area of gambling," he said. : The deciding vote was cast by Commissioner Ilona Hogan, who said channeling gambling proceeds through a new government agency would deny community organizations the power to spend their gambling profits as they choose. : "It would be typical big government, knowing better than anyone else what's the best thing to do," she said.

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