Nash County North Carolina Authorities Urge Residents to Decide on Casino Fate
The Nash County Commissioners in North Carolina are pushing for a local referendum on the possibility of a casino opening in their area. They recently passed an ordinance to request the state's approval for this vote.
The state legislature is currently considering a bill that would allow for a single commercial casino in three counties, including Nash, Anson, and Rockingham. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) is leading the charge on this initiative, hoping to keep money from flowing to neighboring Virginia's casinos.
However, some residents and county officials feel left in the dark about the discussions over this casino legislation. No official bill has been introduced in the General Assembly yet, and Berger is said to be considering adding the measure to the legislature's budget bill.
Let the Locals Decide
The six Nash County Commissioners who voted in favor of a local casino referendum believe they should have the right to decide if a casino comes to their area. They argue that state lawmakers should not have the final say.
According to Commission Chair Robbie Davis, he attended a meeting "a few months ago" where a casino plan targeting Rocky Mount was presented. However, he is not allowed to disclose which developer was involved or who else attended the meeting due to a nondisclosure agreement he signed.
Davis maintains his belief that Nash residents should have the final say in the matter. He spoke to the Triangle Business Journal about his stance, saying, "It will be a controversial decision... the fairest way of dealing with controversial items to your voters is giving them a chance to be involved with it."
Davis is opposed to a casino in Nash County due to the area being one of the poorest regions in the state, but he acknowledges the importance of "giving the people a voice."
Without state approval, Nash County cannot hold a referendum. If Berger's bill passes through the General Assembly and authorizes casinos in Nash County, the passed ordinance would head to Raleigh, where state lawmakers would be lobbied to consider approving the statute.
Rocky Mount Mayor's Support
While six out of the seven Nash County Commissioners support having local voters decide on a casino, Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson voiced her support for a casino resort in the city. She told the Rocky Mount Telegram that it could help create a "live-work environment" and bring more services, restaurants, entertainment, and experiences to the area.
The casino, if approved, would be required to invest $500 million in its development and employ at least 1,750 people.
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Source: www.casino.org
