In New Kent County, Virginia, officials planned a town hall meeting regarding the Pamunkey Tribe’s potential $700 million casino. However, tribal representatives were not invited. Instead, the county invited the Minnesota-based Foley Quigley law firm, which specializes in Indian gaming issues, to make a presentation at the rate of $440 an hour.
New Kent Board of Supervisors Chairman Thomas W. Evelyn said the county wanted to hire independent experts who could explain what has to happen at the federal and state levels before the tribe could open a casino. “And what the county can and can’t control. We’re trying to be proactive in this process,” Evelyn said.
But Pamunkey Chief Robert Gray said no tribal members would attend the meeting. He said, “We have had multiple conversations with New Kent County administration officials over the past several months, including an in-person meeting with me, regarding this project.”
He added he didn’t understand why the county would invite a law firm with no affiliation with the Pamunkeys to answer questions about the tribe’s project. “But that’s their prerogative and we will respect that,” he said.
Representatives from Revolutionary Racing, the Chicago-based company that recently purchased Colonial Downs racetrack for more than $20 million and plan to reopen it next year, will speak at the meeting. The Virginia General Assembly passed legislation legalizing historical racing, clearing the way for the purchase.
Mark Hubbard, a McGuireWoods communications consultant working with Revolutionary Racing said the company has hired a general contractor and interior design firm. It also launched a Colonial Downs website where jobseekers may apply for the anticipated 400 positions.
