Virginia lawmaker backing Fairfax casino push has long-standing ties to interested developers
A Virginia lawmaker who supports allowing Fairfax County residents to consider commercial casino development has a long-standing relationship with an area real estate developer interested in building such a resort in Las Vegas.
Del. Lane Williams (R-Stuart) introduced a bill in the Virginia General Assembly in January seeking to qualify Fairfax County as a casino host.
If the bill passes the Legislature and is signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors would have the authority to advance the casino proposal and bring the project to voters for a referendum.
That law, along with an identical bill introduced in the Senate by Sen. David Marsden (D-Burke), was repealed just a week after being introduced. Williams and Marsden later argued that gambling legislation would receive more appropriate consideration during the 2024 session.
Williams and the developers go way back
Hyperlocal news media platform Patch reported this week that Williams has a long-standing relationship with the family that owns Comstock. Comstock Corp., a regional real estate developer, has expressed interest in building a casino resort in Fairfax. Michael O'Connell, Patch's Northern Virginia field editor, reports Comstock CEO Chris Clemente campaigned for Williams' 2023 campaign Donated $12,500.
Williams, 34, a Stewart native, nearly won the District 9 seat in the June 2021 Republican primary over seven-term Republican Charles Poindexter.
Williams' 2023 campaign contributions include a $500 donation from the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, which Patch reported was approved by Clement's son, Nick Clement. Clement Jr. is a lobbyist who works on behalf of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and has financial management authority over the organization's political lobbying activities.
The bonds don’t end there
Patch added that Williams helped Nick Clemente in his 2021 campaign for state office. Clement challenges Democratic incumbent Del. Wendy Gooditis is in District 10, which includes parts of Clark, Frederick and Loudoun counties.
Williams stood up for Clement and praised him on the X.
"It was fun to knock on Nick Clement's door yesterday in beautiful fall weather in Northern Virginia," Williams wrote on Twitter. "We spoke with so many people who don't care about the election, don't want to vote, or feel excluded. It’s a great conversation to have with voters that Democrats have forgotten about and are now considering supporting Republicans.”
Williams went on to say that a vote for Clement is a vote against CRT (critical race theory) in public schools. Clement lost to Gooditis by less than 1,000 votes.
Comstock Company
Comstock was founded in 1985 and is currently a leading real estate developer in the Dulles Corridor. The company said it manages $1.5 billion in operating assets and 4 million square feet of assets, with $3.2 billion worth of projects under development.
Comstock’s retail projects include Reston Station, Loudoun Station, Rockville Station and The Hartford at Clarendon Station. The mixed-use development includes residential, office, retail and hotel space.
Comstock also developed the JW Marriott hotel overlooking Reston Row on the Silver Line.
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Source: www.casino.org