Greenbrier commission schedules June 1 hearing on proposed casino

Wednesday, May 17, 2000 | 10:32 a.m.

The decision came Tuesday after Jack Damioli, director of operations for The Greenbrier, delivered a letter to the commission from Ted Kleisner, the resort's president, requesting to speak at the June 13 commission meeting.

Damioli said Kleisner would propose a date for the referendum. He said Kleisner also would attend the public hearing.

Commissioners said in January they would not put the casino issue to a vote unless the Legislature gave the county a bigger share of casino profits. It did not.

Lawmakers in March 1999 authorized the resort in White Sulphur Springs to open a casino, but only if Greenbrier County voters approve.

Commissioners Woody Hanna and Joe Feamster said the referendum could be added to the Nov. 7 general election ballot to save the cost of a special election and ensure a large turnout.

Hanna said the commission may vote on the referendum June 13.

Malcomb said the referendum should be delayed until the distribution of casino profits is settled.

Paula McLaughlin, an organizer of West Virginia Families Against Casino Gambling, said her group would prefer a special election.

"This is so critical to the future of this community that it shouldn't be diluted among other political issues," she said. "It deserves its own focus."