Last month, voters in Richmond, Virginia voted 51 percent to 49 percent—around 1,500 vote margin—to defeat the proposed $565 million One Casino and Resort. But the venue may have a second chance, as a petition drive and a survey, disseminated by phone and automated text messages, gather information that could be used to better represent the project.
The survey asks recipients how they voted in the casino referendum and why they voted that way; whether they’d change their minds if they voted against it; if they’d approve the project if it were located in Petersburg; how close they live to the proposed location; and whether they saw or heard any pro- or anti-casino campaign messages prior to the election.
The survey also asks if respondents would vote for a Richmond casino if it included more direct funding for affordable housing, local tax relief and public education. Richmond will lose more than $16 million in state education funding next year due to declining enrollment in city schools amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The petition drive, organized by Richmond City Councilwoman Reva Trammel, aims to hold another referendum for the casino resort, which would have been located at the Philip Morris USA property in her district. Trammell said she’s been busy speaking to constituents and working on a plan to revive the project. She said, “I would do everything to bring it back at the same location. I still support it 100%”
The vote was sharply divided along racial and geographic lines. Voters in Richmond’s majority white precincts rejected the casino resort 2-to-1, while those living closest to the proposed location overwhelmingly approved it.
One Casino officials said the venue would generate $500 million in tax revenue over the next 10 years and create 1,500 new jobs. Supporters also noted it would be the only Black-owned casino in the U.S. and provide significant economic development opportunities for South Richmond’s predominately Black and Hispanic population.
Former Virginia Commonwealth University Dean and political analyst Bob Holsworth said, “Clearly, One Casino officials think that with slightly different messaging, they would have the opportunity to win if it came again. They’re exploring whether they would have a better chance of it passing if they redo the messaging with a stronger focus on challenges to the city’s budget.”
Holsworth said he’s received a survey text but he’s not sure where it originated−although he said a “well-heeled” group would prefer a Richmond casino, based on the wording of the questions. The survey is untitled and doesn’t offer any additional information when it’s completed. Urban One, the national media conglomerate behind the Richmond casino proposal, has not denied a connection with the survey.
Holsworth noted a few of the survey questions also seem to refer to the racial split in the vote. For example, he said, it asks whether national civil rights leader Al Sharpton’s support for the project or U.S. Senator Tim Kaine’s opposition influenced voters. “I think Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and many in the African American community thought it would have a good potential to win because it had diverse, minority ownership and it wasn’t located in a place where it would be opposed. I think there was a sense that some white liberals wouldn’t support it, but I think the extent of the opposition surprised people.”
Urban One and its project partner Peninsula Pacific Entertainment spent more than $2 million on mail, media and volunteers for the project. It had the support of numerous local political leaders, neighborhood groups near the proposed project site and legacy civil rights organizations, as well as Governor Ralph Northam and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe.
The loosely knit opposition raised about $200,000 to fight the casino resort. Veteran political strategist Paul Goldman coordinated the effort along with the progressive advocacy group Richmond for All. Richmond businessman Jim Ukrop and the conservative Family Foundation each contributed around $55,000. Opponents were concerned about problem gambling and projected revenues and benefits falling short.
Casino supporter state Senator Joe Morrissey said he’s working on giving Petersburg, which he represents, a chance to vote on the project. A Petersburg casino referendum would require changes to state law which only allows a casino in Richmond, Danville, Portsmouth, Norfolk and Bristol, subject to approval by local voters. Morrissey and Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham said they would want proposals from several companies rather than staying with Urban One, which Richmond officials chose from six competitors. “Stoney said the citizens have spoken. They rejected it. So, within hours of that, I started trying to build a coalition to get that casino in Petersburg. The mayor didn’t get the job done. I intend to get it done in Petersburg.”
