by Lewis Loflin
As of August 2019, the Virginia government had yet to finalize plans for a proposed casino resort at the old Bristol Mall. Facing financial strain, Bristol, Virginia, saw this as a potential lifeline. No illegal actions by individuals are suggested here; the focus is on systemic issues and transparency in the process.
Governor Ralph Northam’s political action committee, "The Way Ahead," received a $25,000 contribution from backers of the Bristol casino project on December 21, 2018, per press reports. On January 5, 2019, the Bristol Herald Courier (BHC) noted Northam’s push for a $175,000 gambling study. Critics questioned the timing, though the study’s purpose was to gather data, not directly fund the project.
The casino group, led by Clyde Stacy and Jim McGlothlin of United, opposed the study, preferring a direct public vote. Northam’s stance on gambling expansion remained unclear, with his office seeking public feedback.
Initial assurances stated no public dollars would support the casino. However, the proposed gambling study and related efforts—like bringing Amtrak to Bristol—drew scrutiny. The Amtrak plan, tied by some to the casino, could cost millions in federal funds. The Bristol Train Station, built over a decade ago for $6 million, remains unused. Past studies, costing up to $500,000, yielded no rail service, echoing other local projects like The Falls retail development and Bristol landfill.
The gambling bill, backed by Senator Bill Carrico (Galax) and Delegate Israel O’Quinn (Bristol)—both Republicans—moved out of committee by January 22, 2019. It covered five communities, including Bristol, Danville, and Portsmouth, requiring public referendums. If approved in November 2019, licenses would issue by July 2020. Northam favored delays for further study, raising questions about pace and funding.
Press reports (BHC, January 5, 2019) noted $550,000 in contributions from casino associates to various political action committees—Democrat and Republican—since 2018. This included $50,000 each to the Virginia House Democratic Caucus and Senate Democratic Caucus, $50,000 to "The Virginia Way," and $30,000 to the Colonial Leadership Trust PAC. Total political spending by these entities exceeded $840,000, per media estimates.
Proponents promised thousands of jobs averaging $50,000 annually and significant tax revenue—$42.1 million for Virginia and $26.8 million for Bristol by 2027, per a cited study (BHC). Similar pledges accompanied The Falls, which fell short. The casino group warned of other states advancing gambling, a common economic pitch.
Southwest Virginia’s history of political scrutiny adds context. Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Governmental Studies, stated, “The most corrupt region is Southwest Virginia…more indictments for political and public office corruption have happened in this region than all other parts of the state combined.” This backdrop fuels local debate.
Posted January 28, 2019.
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