THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, February 27, 1995 TAG: 9502240022
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
I have been working with Del. Jerrauld Jones on riverboat gaming legislation for Virginia for more than two years and have visited 15 riverboats in four states.
Delegate Jones and all of our state legislators work extremely hard with very little appreciation. Virginia politicians are among the most ethical and fiscally conservative in the country. If Jack Goodwin (``Gambling is a bad bet,'' letter, Feb. 7) actually spent time in the General Assembly, he would quickly realize how lucky we are.
There'a a major difference between Mississippi's 36 permanent ``dockside'' casinos, with round-the-clock access, and the seven cruising riverboat locations prescribed in Delegate Jones' bill. These boats would be located throughout Eastern Virginia. Passengers would pay a boarding fee and make reservations for a two- or three-hour cruise.
The riverboat-gaming bill requires a state referendum and local referendums. Some of our legislators evidently do not trust the people to decide on this issue. In Florida, the voters rightfully rejected 42 land-based casinos.
Oliver North, whether right or wrong, could not buy the votes of Virginians even by outspending his opponent four-to-one. Virginia voters are capable of making independent decisions after lively public debate.
Legislators should follow Virginia tradition and let the people vote on this issue.
TOM MOUNTJOY
General partner
Annabel Lee
Richmond's riverboat
Norfolk, Feb. 13, 1995 by CNB