June 9, 2025 Editor, News-Gazette: Rockbridge County residents deserve honesty and transparency from their elected officials. Unfortunately, key local leaders are quietly pushing plans to bring organized gambling to our community, without public input.
A recent county economic development meeting had an unannounced pre-meeting among public officials where they discussed pari-mutuel horse betting at the Virginia Horse Center. We have since learned that other efforts are supposedly underway to establish a casino either on property controlled by the Virginia Horse Center Foundation or on a 21-acre tract in Raphine that the county bought, without an appraisal, under the vague banner of “economic development.”
These proposals are being advanced behind closed doors because they run counter to the values of most Rockbridge citizens. We are always told afterthe- fact that behind closed doors was necessary to protect “the economic development process.” Organized gambling is not economic development. It is a predatory industry that thrives on addiction, feeds social problems, and undermines local businesses. Studies from other communities show rising crime, increased bankruptcies, and strained public services after casinos arrive. Jobs promised are often low-wage, with profits leaving the region.
The Rockbridge Taxpayers Alliance and many concerned citizens strongly oppose these hidden deals. If our leaders believe casinos and betting parlors are right for Rockbridge, they should make their case openly. So far, they have chosen not to do so.
We urge residents to speak out before permanent damage is done to the integrity and identity of our county. BILL RUSSELL Rockbridge Taxpayers Alliance
