In his pursuit of a Petersburg casino referendum, a Virginia senator is encountering opposition from various adversaries within the capital city of Richmond.
The casino referendum in 2021 faced a close vote in Richmond, resulting in its defeat by a slim margin of 51.2% to 48.8%. If the campaign had been successful, Urban One had plans to construct the One Casino + Resort worth $560 million in the capital city.
Right after the unsuccessful referendum, Virginia legislators and other officials promptly started maneuvering for advantage. In fact, certain Richmond officials went as far as considering the possibility of conducting a second referendum with improved communication.
A potential concern arises with a bill proposed by Virginia Sen. Joe Morrissey, D-Richmond, which has the potential to create hindrances. This bill not only has the possibility to allow a casino referendum in Petersburg, but it could also prevent Richmond from conducting a second one.
Petersburg casino referendum to block Richmond?
Virginia casinos are set to arrive in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth, as the residents of these cities overwhelmingly voted in favor of them in 2020. To ensure timely openings in 2022 and 2025, preliminary site work has already commenced on certain projects.
However, Richmond decided to delay its referendum for a year. Consequently, this additional time provided the opposition against the casino in Richmond with more opportunities to launch well-coordinated campaigns. While some of these campaigns were undoubtedly offensive, they ultimately proved to be successful.
Sen. Morrissey has submitted Senate Bill 203 for consideration by the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee. This bill comes after the Virginia General Assembly approved five cities to hold a referendum in 2019. Richmond, however, decided against participating in the 2021 vote, prompting other cities to seize the opportunity. In November, these cities sensed the chance and now await the committee’s decision on the bill.
Although Petersburg is not specifically mentioned in the bill, it meets the requirements outlined for a casino city in terms of tax base, poverty, and unemployment. With a population of 30,000 and its proximity to Richmond, the bill aligns with the characteristics of Petersburg.
However, the last section of the bill has created a disagreement between Morrissey and Richmond 8th District Councilwoman Reva Trammell. Trammell is advocating for local legislation to hold a second referendum in Richmond. Nonetheless, the bill clearly states:
If a local referendum held by the governing body of an eligible host city fails, they will be prohibited from conducting another referendum on the same question for a duration of five years from the date of the last referendum.
To put it differently, the city of Richmond would not be able to vote for a casino again until 2026.
Morrissey and Trammell spar over casino bill
In an interview with Richmond.com, Morrissey expressed his view that holding another vote in Richmond would lack democratic principles and be unnecessary. He further voiced his disapproval of Trammell and other Richmond political candidates using a previously settled issue from Election Day 2021 as a basis for their ongoing campaigns.
According to the newspaper, Morrissey stated
The democratic process is not reflected in this. Reva Trammell should possess greater understanding of this matter. I feel a tinge of disappointment as my expectations of her were higher.
In his conversation with Virginia’s Progress-Index, Petersburg’s local newspaper, he expressed his opinion that Trammell’s behavior resembled that of a petulant child in relation to the situation. Additionally, he suggested that Trammell, who has been in office for the past 15 years, should display more maturity and resilience.
Morrissey informed the newspaper that he aspired to become the quarterback of the Washington Football Team. However, he was reminded that desires do not always align with reality.
Trammell expressed her opinion that the Richmond casino referendum failed due to misguided reasons. According to her, the voting outcomes were primarily influenced by geographical and racial divisions.
According to Trammell, 85% of the residents in her district are in favor of having a casino, and she believes it is her duty to heed their voices. In her own words:
I am fulfilling the wishes of my community. I am unsure why Joe made that statement. He is aware of the strong desire people have for it.
What’s next for Petersburg casino referendum?
The outcome of Morrissey’s bill remains unknown, but it has undeniably caused a division between two Virginia politicians who claim to have been close friends for a long time.
Petersburg authorities, led by Mayor Sam Parham, are receptive to the concept of a casino referendum. Mayor Parham is actively encouraging proposals from various companies, not solely relying on Urban One, to ensure the city secures the most advantageous deal available.
Urban One, a media conglomerate headquartered in Maryland and operating radio stations in Richmond, had joined forces with the local Colonial Downs Group to present the casino proposal. As part of their commitment, they had pledged to provide Richmond residents with an annual sum of $50 million for ten consecutive years upon the resort’s opening. Additionally, the proposal promised substantial enhancements to tourism, hospitality, and tax revenue.
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, known for his strong support of the initial referendum during his campaign, is currently uncertain about endorsing a potential second attempt.
However, it is evident that if Richmond fails to take action, other cities are ready to step up and potentially exclude Richmond in the process.
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