ROANOKE, Va. – The City of Roanoke is spending at least $6,000 monthly on a Richmond lobbying firm to advance its proposed casino project at the state level, even as local education advocates question the expenditure amid school budget constraints.
The city signed a contract with Two Capitols Consulting in September, weeks before publicly announcing the casino proposal. The firm, which represents major clients including AT&T and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, also works with other Virginia cities including Virginia Beach and Richmond.
“The school district is having to make harsh decisions on whether or not they can afford to keep all of their teachers’ aids,” said Rebekah Murphy, Vice President of Communications for the Roanoke City Central Council of PTAs. “It’s a little upsetting that that’s how our money is being spent because we desperately need every dollar at this point.”…