As a county resident, I have been very vocal opposing any Chesterfield County funds contributing to [a proposed new Richmond Braves ballpark (The Diamond) located in the City of Richmond] based on concerns involving the unfair voting practice Chesterfield and Henrico currently have within the Richmond Metropolitan Authority (RMA) board which controls and manages The Diamond.

The RMA board has 11 voting members: Richmond (6), Chesterfield (2), Henrico (2) and the Commonwealth Transportation Board (1), which was authorized by the Virginia General Assembly in 1966.

Where is the fairness to Chesterfield and Henrico if they are outnumbered before any RMA board vote is taken? The city will win every time.

Issues passed by the RMA board requiring the counties' cooperation must be approved by the counties' board of supervisors. However, if any one of the counties do not approve the RMA board actions, [it] can be construed that a county is not willing to have regional cooperation.

Since 1973, users of the RMA Expressway have paid $300 million plus in tolls, as stated in a JLARC 1991 Report Summary. This figure is more than likely over $600 million by now. I am very sure a major portion of those tolls were paid by Chesterfield County residents for a road system that cost approximately $25 million to build in the early 70s.

Since the 1970s, the RMA has expanded its role to include parking decks within the city, the purchase of the Boulevard Bridge, The Diamond, operation of Main Street Station and advertising space at the RMA toll booths. All are income generators that benefit Richmond and not the surrounding areas.

HB 544 needs to pass in order to be fair to all parties regardless of the RMA owing the City of Richmond $47 million plus which is required to be paid back no matter how many voting members are on the RMA Board.