PULASKI, Va. – Pulaski residents voted against pari-mutuel wagering Tuesday, blocking Rosie’s Gaming Emporium from opening a location in the town. With 56 percent of the vote, citizens rejected the referendum alongside Amherst County voters, who turned down a similar measure the same night.
Pulaski Town Manager Todd Day acknowledged the outcome as a clear mandate.
“It’s a democracy and the people spoke,” Day said. “Whether it’s fortunate or unfortunate, ever how you view it, Rosie’s will not be located in the town of Pulaski.”
Addiction concerns drove opposition
Voters most commonly cited concerns about introducing gambling into a community already dealing with addiction issues as their reason for opposing the measure…