Fairfax Co. board chairman says he wouldn’t put casino deal before voters
The Fairfax County Board chairman, Jeff McKay, stated he won’t put a casino deal to a voter referendum if the current bill passes.Summary
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay announced he would not support a referendum on a potential casino deal if the current Virginia legislation is signed into law. McKay believes the bill is a “bad deal” for Fairfax County due to an unfavorable revenue split – 75% to the state and 25% to the county – and restrictions on local land use control. He argues the state benefits disproportionately while the county bears the associated problems of a casino. The bill, which passed in both the House of Delegates and Senate, would allow a casino to be built anywhere in Fairfax County with voter approval, but McKay fears the state could impose a referendum requirement regardless. He also notes Governor Spanberger has generally been against gambling and a referendum requirement could influence her decision. Senator Scott Surovell argues a casino would keep revenue within Virginia, preventing it from going to the MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
(Source：WTOP)