THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 27, 1995 TAG: 9501260147
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TONI WHITT, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 88 lines
City Council chambers were somewhat chilly for Councilman Cameron C. Pitts on Tuesday.
Several council members made it clear that - when it comes to riverboat gambling - they were ready to freeze out the councilman who had broken ranks and publicly discussed the city's secret dealings with a casino operator.
But the council's cold shoulder was countered by some warm thanks from citizens who spoke on Pitts' behalf.
During Tuesday's council meeting Pitts, a detail-oriented councilman who consistently asks City Manager V. Wayne Orton for written reports, asked the manager to provide him further financial details on Eldorado Hotel and Casino and the local private investors negotiating with the city to operate a floating casino here.
After Pitts publicly made the request, Mayor Gloria O. Webb stopped him and said he would have to receive the council's permission to ask for such a report.
Pitts pointed out that no other council member has ever had to get permission to ask city staff for information.
This was a special case, some council members said, because it involved a private firm and because Pitts opposes the casinos.
``This is an obvious ploy by Mr. Pitts to stop this (riverboat gambling),'' Councilman James C. Hawks said. ``Because it is a privately held company, there are different standards. They don't have to reveal their finances to everyone.''
While the council debated the issue, Councilman P. Ward Robinett Jr. asked City Attorney Stuart E. Katz to research the city's liability if confidential financial information were to be released to the public.
That request for information was accepted without any formal council vote. The contrast was pointed out by several council members.
``I think poor Mr. Pitts is being singled out to have to go through the council to make a request,'' Vice Mayor Johnny C. Clemons said. ``I think his request is reasonable. We're talking about a company coming in with a $125 million proposal. I want to know where the money is coming from.''
Mayor Webb later said she had missed the request by Robinett.
While several council members said that Pitts should be able to make the request, Hawks was adamant that he would vote against Pitts' motion.
``He's hinted at improprieties,'' Hawks said. ``If he has evidence of improprieties he needs to bring them to council.''
Moments later, Hawks substituted his own motion for Pitts'. He asked that the council have the manager gather information on the private investors with Eldorado. But, he added, he also wanted the city to contact Bally Entertainment Corp. and a third company Hawks referred to as Stations, to ask those companies for permission to release their riverboat proposals. Hawks' motion passed, 6-1.
After the hour-long debate, several citizens stood up to say Pitts had done the right thing in revealing the closed-door dealings.
After the hour-long debate several citizens stood up to say Pitts had done the right thing in revealing the closed-door dealings.
``We need to have some input on how you spend our money,'' the Rev. Rudolph Perry said. ``I applaud Mr. Pitts for being the lone wolf on asking who is going to gain. ''
Dutch Andrews, president of the Shea Terrace Civic League, said many of his neighbors are concerned about riverboat gambling.
``I want to know the local investors' connections and I want to know the financials of Eldorado. If they can't do this, then don't deal with them,'' Andrews said. ``I don't see this as a family-oriented business. I thought that's what you wanted in this city. Don't sell this city out; easy money always comes with a big price.''
Earlier, others opposed the gambling proposal during a public hearing on the city's new economic development plan, Vision 2005, developed with consultant Ray Gindroz. The plan refers to riverboat gambling in several places. Most citizens said they liked the concepts offered by Gindroz and urged the council to proceed with the plans. MEMO: SPEAK NOW . . .
The city's economic development proposal is to be considered at the
following public hearings and council meetings.
1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7:
Planning Commission Public Hearing for Recommendation on
Comprehensive Plan Amendment to include Vision 2005
7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13:
City Council meeting; first reading for plan adoption
7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28:
City Council meeting; second reading for plan adoption
KEYWORDS: PORTSMOUTH CITY COUNCIL RIVERBOAT GAMBLING by CNB