THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 29, 1995 TAG: 9509290014
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
In the recent article about the effect of the state elections on the riverboat issue, one important factor was overlooked. The riverboat-gaming bill requires statewide and local referendums.
As the article indicated, the issue would ``be in trouble'' if Republicans take over the legislature. It is ironic that one of Governor Allen's campaign promises was to implement initiative and referendum. Many legislators who enthusiastically support initiative and referendum do not want the people to vote on riverboats.
Some legislators claim that casino interests would simply dump lots of money into a referendum campaign. They insult the intelligence of the voting public. Lavish spending did not win for Oliver North, and 52 casinos rightfully lost a Florida referendum in spite of a well-financed campaign. Governor Allen was elected by a landslide though he was out-spent by his opponents.
Casino entertainment is coming to the mid-Atlantic. The issue is not going away. Legislators should let the people hear a lively debate on the issue, then decide for themselves one way or the other.
TOM MOUNTJOY, chairman
Virginia Riverboat Council
Norfolk, Sept. 19, 1995 by CNB