Fairfax County’s delegation to Virginia General Assembly hosted a public hearing on Saturday, January 4, which lasted 3.5 hours. The focus was on a proposed casino in Tysons as well as calls for more state funding for education and social service.

Around 70 people spoke for themselves or in behalf of their organizations. Each had three minutes each to present their priorities for the 2025 legislative sessions, which convene tomorrow (Wednesday).

A veteran legislator said that, despite the fact that the General Assembly members present were unable to respond to each speaker due to time constraints on the day, the feedback of those who testified was still important.

“We value all advocacy”, said Del. Vivian Watts, D-14, said. She presided as the most senior member of the delegation at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Many civic leaders attended the rally to voice their opposition to the expected legislation which would allow a countywide vote on whether or not to allow a Tysons casino.

The measure was delayed to 2025, and finally killed late last year. supporters and opponents of the proposal are mobilizing to prepare for a new bill that will be filed this year by state senator Scott Surovell(D-34) rather than Sen. Dave Marsden(D-35).

Jennifer Falcone, representing the Great Falls Citizens Association at the No Casino Coalition, said that a casino “is not the cure” to the county’s budget problems. It would also bring societal costs.

Paula Martino is the president of Tysons Stakeholders Alliance. She said, “The economic and social impact on future generations does not justify this development.”

Linda Walsh, president of the McLean Citizens Association , said that it “does not make any sense.” She urged state leaders to focus on funding for schools instead of moving ahead with a bill allowing casinos.

The proposal was opposed by a greater number than its supporters. However, several of them, including three of those who represented labour organizations, gave testimony at the hearing.

Epaminondas Mohanis, a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 26 said that his union work “has elevated me to the middle-class” and can do the same for the 5,000 projected jobs associated with the casino.

Nelson Aguilar of Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters stated that the project will bring good jobs to this region. He praised Comstock Companies for their “forward-thinking” leadership in agreeing to employ union workers both to build and to operate the facility.

Aguilar reminded legislators that the legislature was not being asked to approve an actual casino. It is simply to give local residents a voice.

He said that Fairfax residents would decide if the issue was put to a referendum.

But Reston Citizens Association president Lynne Mulston stated that residents and county officials have shown little interest in the proposed plan. She said that a General Assembly without community support was “completely backwards from the norms of governance” and “a degradation to the legislative process”.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has been less than enthusiastic regarding the casino proposal. However, has not formally opposed the proposal as a whole.

Speakers addressed many issues beyond the casino and sometimes gave contradictory advice for lawmakers.

Bryan Scrafford is a representative from the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions. He urged lawmakers to “come with proactive solutions” in the climate arena. Fairfax County Taxpayers Alliance president Arthur Purves said there is “no proof of a crisis on climate change” and told legislators to “stop increasing taxes for an non-existent crisis.”

The speakers also discussed transportation, housing and safety-net issues. They also spoke about education funding, teacher salaries, data centres, marijuana legalization. Some speakers made comments that were more philosophical or of a general nature.

Keith Henning advised, “Be realistic.” Focus on legislation that will not be vetoed by Governor Sweater Vest.

He called for the relaxation of Dillon Rule which consolidates power at the level of states and gives Virginian localities a very limited autonomy compared to other states.

Henning stated that the Dillon Rule is holding us back, and its elimination would bring more authority to local governments. It would also allow them to be held accountable to their constituents.

Rob Whitfield of the Fairfax County Taxpayers Alliance urged lawmakers to be transparent and find common ground.

Whitfield stated, “I want answers.” “We have heard a lot of problems today, but finding solutions is difficult.”

Fairfax County’s delegation to Richmond includes 7 members of the Virginia Senate, and 15 of the House of Delegates. The delegation is all Democratic.

The session is expected to last 45 days. The two houses are almost evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. Control of each house depends on the results of today’s special elections.

During the hearing, some of the speakers will travel south to lobby personally.

Whitfield, a civic activist who is well-versed in the county’s politics, told the legislators, “I will be seeing you in Richmond.”