Email

SAMPLE EMAIL LETTER TO BOARD of SUPERVISORS

(Email addresses at the bottom)

SUBJECT: SB982: Casino Gaming - Opposition

Dear Chairman McKay and Members of the Board of Supervisors:

On February 4, 2025 the Virginia State Senate adopted Senate Bill 982. The Bill has crossed over to the House of Delegates where it could be adopted unless there is a clear statement of opposition from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Tell the House Delegates that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors urges them to say NO to SB982.

In his speech on the floor of the Senate, Senator Scott Surovell, the Bill’s Patron, exploited the neutrality of the Board. Surovell argued that only two members of the Board oppose the Bill, implying that the rest of the Board either have no opinion or that they actually support a casino. He said that citizen opposition to the Bill was being driven by MGM Grand Casino in Maryland and by “NIMBY” on the part of wealthy residents living close to the specified site.

We know that these statements are false. We ask that the Board take what may be the final opportunity in the General Assembly’s legislative process to make clear its opposition to a casino in Tysons. A recent public opinion poll by Public Policy Polling, Inc. found that if a referendum on a casino was held today 68% of Fairfax voters would vote No. Please join your constituents in making clear that Fairfax County does not want a casino.

The reasons for opposing Senate Bill 982 are compelling:

The Bill is contrary to current legislation because local authorities did not request a casino and have not been consulted by its proponents. Also, the proposed site in Tysons is not in a depressed area, but in one of the most economically dynamic areas in the county;
The Bill would reverse years of carefully planned growth and development that has created a vibrant commercial and residential community in Tysons;
The Bill may be a violation of Virginia law by specifying the developer, location, size and land use of a casino-based entertainment complex in Tysons, usurping authorities that are reserved for local government;
The Bill would not generate enough revenue to solve the County’s fiscal problems. A casino would generate additional costs for county services to deal with increased crime, mental health problems and the displacement and revenue loss from existing businesses that would flee the area;
In his State of Commonwealth speech, Governor Youngkin opposed passage of any new gambling bills put forward by “special interests” until a statewide gaming commission has been established.

It is now time for the Board to join us in telling Richmond that we oppose a casino in Tysons.

Please issue a brief letter stating that the Board of Supervisors opposes SB982 and asks the House Delegates to vote NO and kill bill SB982.

Respectfully,

Your Name

Your Address

###

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS EMAILS: chairman@fairfaxcounty.gov; braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov; dranesville@fairfaxcounty.gov; huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov; leeDist@fairfaxcounty.gov; mason@fairfaxcounty.gov; mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov; springfield@fairfaxcounty.gov; clerktotheBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov; Sully@fairfaxcounty.gov, providence@fairfaxcounty.gov

SAMPLE EMAIL LETTER TO DELEGATES

SAMPLE EMAIL LETTER TO BOARD of SUPERVISORS