Petersburg Mayor, Marcus Carey, recently made headlines with his bold statement that the city had indeed “told the truth” about the intense pressure they faced from the legislature to approve a casino project in their city. In an exclusive interview with the Virginia Mercury, Mayor Carey shed light on the behind-the-scenes dealings and the true nature of the pressure they faced.
The saga began when lawmakers in the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation in 2019 allowing five cities in the state to build casinos. Petersburg was one of those cities, and the prospect of a casino promised economic growth and job opportunities for the struggling city. However, as Mayor Carey revealed, the city soon found itself under immense pressure from state lawmakers to move forward with the project, despite concerns about its potential impact on the community.
According to Mayor Carey, the intense pressure to approve the casino project came in the form of threats and ultimatums from lawmakers, who made it clear that funding for critical projects in Petersburg would be at risk if the city did not comply. Mayor Carey described the situation as “bullying” and stressed that the city was left with no choice but to comply with the demands of the legislature.
Despite the pressure, Mayor Carey and other city officials worked tirelessly to negotiate a more favorable deal with the casino developers, ensuring that Petersburg would benefit from the project while also addressing the concerns of the community. Ultimately, the city approved the casino project, but not without a fight.
Mayor Carey’s revelation about the city’s struggles with the legislature sheds light on the challenges faced by local officials in navigating the complex world of politics and economic development. It also raises important questions about the role of state lawmakers in influencing local decision-making processes.
As Petersburg moves forward with the casino project, Mayor Carey remains committed to ensuring that the city’s interests are protected and that the community benefits from the development. His honesty and willingness to speak out about the pressures faced by the city serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government.
In response to Mayor Carey’s comments, lawmakers in the Virginia General Assembly have vowed to investigate the allegations of pressure and bullying, promising to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The outcome of this investigation remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – Petersburg Mayor Marcus Carey is determined to fight for his city and ensure that the truth is heard.
