Local public safety workers took out a full-page advertisement pushing for a casino at the Arundel Mills mall.

Mall owners broke their silence on the debate and criticized county councilmen for wringing their hands.

Casino developer Cordish Cos. held a job fair, even though zoning approval for slots has not been secured, handing out postcards supporting the casino for the unemployed to mail to politicians.

In what appears to be the final stretch of the council's nearly nine-month zoning debate, pressure is mounting from unions, business leaders, political leaders and even friends urging councilmen to lean their...