Hough responds to permit question
State Sen. Michael Hough (R) held a raffle recently to raise money for his next election bid, and Sheriff Chuck Jenkins believes he violated a Frederick County ordinance by not getting a permit. Not so fast, Hough said in an interview. He followed state law in conducting the raffle for an AR 15 semi automatic rifle, which raised over $4,000.
Hough said he checked with attorney Dirk Haire, GOP state party chair and former campaign counsel to Gov. Larry Hogan. "I am confident that the state party attorney knows what he is talking about. I know no one better to give me an opinion," he said.
"It’s a $50 permit," Hough added. "I would have paid for it if I thought I needed it."
A winner was chosen Monday. Hough wouldn't say who won, but did say it was a "prominent member of law enforcement."
Jenkins had requested information about Hough's permit said last week, Jenkins said, because some people had brought the matter to his attention. He called the county's permitting services office on Jan. 11, and asked for clarification of raffle permits. He later called Hough to let him know he should have gotten a permit.
Regulations stipulate that organizations holding a raffle in Frederick County must have nonprofit status, but do not address political fundraisers. To sell tickets in Frederick County, Hough was required to file an application and pay a $50 fee, or have an annual raffle permit already on file with the Frederick County Department of Planning and Permits. The permit allows the permit holder to organize four raffles annually.
