THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 23, 1994 TAG: 9411230509
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TONI WHITT, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines
Four preachers and one lobbyist convinced some council members Tuesday that riverboat gambling may not be the answer to the city's prayers.
But, in the end, the council decided it was a necessary evil.
Less than two weeks after touting a floating casino as the city's solution for waterfront development and a better image, several council members said during Tuesday's City Council meeting that they were opposed to gambling.
But they added that they thought Portsmouth had to compete for a license so its residents wouldn't spend their money at casinos outside of town.
A half-dozen citizens opposed the city's legislative proposals to the General Assembly because the package included a paragraph indicating that Portsmouth would compete for a gaming license if the Assembly approved floating casinos next year.
``We are implying, by allowing this to go to the legislature, that we want riverboat gambling for the state of Virginia,'' Councilman Cameron C. Pitts said. ``I feel obligated to take the position against riverboat gambling and any support implied to that effort by the 1995 legislative proposals.''
The council approved the package, including the paragraph on riverboat gambling, 5-2. Pitts and Vice Mayor Johnny M. Clemons were opposed.
City officials hope that a casino operator will be a key financier in their push for a revamped waterfront. Two weeks ago the city announced it had asked casino operators to bid on a proposal to build a hotel and convention center on the waterfront, as well as a family park, including an amphitheater at the mouth of the downtown tunnel.
Those bids are due back next week.
``The proponents of casino gambling promise much,'' said Ector Lee Hamrick, a Portsmouth pastor. ``There is also much they do not reveal. They do not speak loudly about the crime which results from instituting casino gambling.''
Several of Tuesday's speakers said they fear the city will suffer economic hardships if Portsmouth brings in a floating casino. They said tourists would spend their money on the boats, rather than at the city's other attractions. Residents who become compulsive gamblers would become a drain on the city, they added.
Caroline Barnes, president of the Portsmouth Republican Party, listed a dozen articles citing the ill effects casinos have on cities.
Bill Kincaid, co-chairman of Virginians Deserve Better, an organization that has lobbied against casino gambling, said the city should work to oppose riverboat gambling for the state.
``Send a message from the council that after looking at the evidence you oppose it,'' Kincaid said. ``If it is passed you might be put in a position to make a bad decision out of frustration and in defense of your economy. It's very important as a state to make the right decision.''
The Rev. Phillip J. Parker said that rather than competing with other cities for gambling, Portsmouth should offer the region an alternative geared toward family entertainment.
Riverboat gambling has failed twice in the General Assembly. When the first bill was proposed two years ago, it never got out of committee for a vote. Last year the proposal lost by a slim margin.
Norfolk Del. Jerrauld C. Jones, who has introduced the legislation in the last two years, said he will go to bat once again.
``I don't want to see riverboat gambling for Virginia,'' Councilman James C. Hawks said. ``If it goes to referendum, I'll probably vote against it. Those are my personal feelings, but I have to do what's best for Portsmouth. I can't see our revenue dollars going across the river to other facilities.''
Hawks pointed to Jolliet, Ill., where riverboat gambling began three years ago. He said the floating casinos have brought a $20 million annual ``windfall'' to that city.
``Portsmouth has to be in a position to compete for that,'' he said. ``We can't just allow it to go to other cities.''
KEYWORDS: PORTSMOUTH CITY COUNCIL RIVERBOAT GAMBLING
by CNB