Pruski to Push for Convention Center in West County

Andrew Pruski wants to bring a new convention center to Anne Arundel County. 

One of the Democratic candidates for the District 4 seat on the County Council said Tuesday he will make a push for the center a focal point of his campaign, and said the center could be an ideal place to hold high school graduations, business and government meetings and other events. 

Pruski said the convention center would help boost government revenue at a time when few are willing to raise taxes. 

"We need to raise revenue," he said. "We have a casino here now ... we have hotels and restaurants that would benefit."

Pruski said that as a school board member, he's always been bothered by the fact that many high schools hold graduations at UMBC or Showplace Arena in Upper Marlboro. He said the school system pays $10,000 annually to hold graduations at venues outside Anne Arundel County. 

Pruski said he estimated a facility with no more than 10,000 seats would be sufficient. The facility could be used by the high schools for events, but he also said officials at Fort Meade have been seeking space to hold larger meetings with contractors and government entities.  

He offered no estimates on how much a center would cost, but said it should be funded through public-private partnerships. 

Pruski made his remarks Tuesday at the Hops N' Vines store in Odenton, where he held a campaign fundraisers. Attendees included Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Anne Colt-Leitess, Del. Pam Beidel (D-District 32), and several other community leaders.