Casino proponents launch ad; citizen panel says reject Measure 82
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Supporters of a ballot measure that would create Oregon's first nontribal casino have launched their first television ad — and it contains no mention of a ballot measure or of gambling.
Instead, the ad pitches new jobs and entertainment. It's the first television ad to go on air for any of the nine measures on the November ballot, and it comes unusually early. Ballot measure campaigns don't typically start advertising until well after Labor Day.
The ad, which began airing Thursday night, describes a project known as "The Grange" and promises "2,000 jobs with health care...a lively new destination...millions in new revenue for our schools every year." It doesn't mention the casino that would anchor the development or the two ballot measures that would allow it to be built. A small disclaimer notes the ad was paid for by the campaign supporting Measures 82 and 83.
In rolling out their plans, the developers have tried to keep the focus on their construction plans and the economic benefits they say it would bring, saying discussion of the ballot measure and the merits of a casino can come later.
The ad is meant "to introduce the project to Oregonians, and its benefits, which has not been done before," said Anna Richter Taylor, a spokeswoman for the developers.
On Friday, a majority of 24 citizens who spent a week studying Measure 82 and hearing arguments on both sides recommended 17-7 that voters reject it. The findings of the state-sanctioned panel will be published in the official voters' pamphlet.
The Oregon Constitution currently allows casinos only on Indian reservations. Measure 82 would authorize private casinos, with a few restrictions, if approved in a statewide vote and by voters in the city where the casino would be build. Measure 83 would authorize a casino at the former dog track.
Clairvest Group Inc., a Canadian investment firm, and its partners has proposed building a 125-room, four-star hotel, a water slide, bowling alley, concert hall and theater in Wood Village, east of Portland. A 130,000-square-foot casino would have 2,000 slot machines and 100 card tables. Developers say they'll incorporate local foods and drinks as much as possible, and they plan to re-use the wooden beams from the 1950s-era grandstand of the Multnomah Kennel Club, which would be torn down.
Clairvest is a private-equity company based in Toronto with a number of casino holdings in the United States, Canada and Chile. The project also involves Great Canadian Gaming Corporation of Richmond, British Columbia, which owns 13 casinos and racetracks in the U.S. and Canada.
Critics of the project say a metro-area casino would increase crime, traffic and gambling problems while grabbing market share from Indian casinos that rely on gambling money to pay for social services.
Aside from the casino measures, Oregon voters will be asked to decide issues including a repeal of the estate tax, legalization of marijuana and the elimination of corporate tax rebates. Other measures would ban real estate transfer taxes and gillnet fishing on the Columbia River.
Proponents of those measures all said they haven't begun airing television ads.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
We should be able to figure out how much money these developers are willing to invest in trying to sell this idea to the voters. The glossy, four-color, multi-page brochure that was mailed to homes all over the area must've cost them a fortune. Inside this brochure are all kinds of wonderful promises about "family fun" and 2000 jobs with healthcare" and "money for schools". What they don't focus on is that this bid to build a non-tribal casino will open Pandora's Box and allow other non-tribal casinos to be built all over Oregon. Do we really want our schools funded with gambling profits from people who can't afford to lose that money in the first place? Do we really want our children to grow up thinking that gambling is just another harmless, fun activity? Do we want the door to be opened that will allow other rich developers to build other "family fun centers?"  These people don't care about jobs, or our schools, or providing fun for the whole family. They only care about the millions and millions of dollars they will rake in if this gets okayed by the voters. They don't care about all the kids that will lose out on proper care and nurturing because of the very thing that's being proposed here. I know that for many people, gambling IS harmless. But for many others, it's an addiction just like drugs or alcohol that causes them to be willing to lose an entire paycheck; leave their kids unsupervised for hours at a time, or to do something desperate in order to get more money to keep on gambling.
So far I'm a little skeptical about voting yes on either ballot measures. It's to soon to tell if this is a good idea or not. When more information is in I will be able to make a decision but having said that I'm leaning towards no. I think we need independent studies made on economics, traffic, crime, financing, environment and much more to make an educated final vote. So bring on the facts and lets see.
Mr. Archilles I know about the reply button but doesn't mean I have to use it. Sounds like you have a problem with others explaining their view point. Glad you can have fun without getting out of control but sometimes things get out of control. Heard worse from other people but that is your cross to bear not mind.
We did vote this issue down before and hopefully, both measures will again.
I had to travel three hours round trip to a recovery program because budget cuts close my area program.
You have the right to vote any way you wish but shutting your eyes and saying it is bad now and gambling will help fix the problem is sad.
The reality is that this is an investment group that builds casinos in selected areas and then sells them when the profit or another higher paying venture deems it.
In 2007 this group sold its Canadian casino to an Australlian Casino Group that wanted to get a hold on North American Gambling, that was the quote in the press release. They had a 27% share that made millions.
In July of 2011 they completed the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, IL. After a year the 4 of the 5 districts surrounding the casino have the highest crime rates of the city. It prides itself on being an extremely safe community for the area. The unemployment rate is 8.7% and property crimes are now at 175 versus 275 for national average with only one year of operation. It usually takes 5 to 10 years before the effects really manifest but it appears there is already an up swing in their crime figures.
Gambling is not the sole problem for all the crime but it is not the solution to fixing communities and budget problems. Tribal gambling casinos are community based entities and plan for the future of their communities not just the profit/loss statement.
 @Pauletta That's the same guy that was funding  Gingrich and now is paying for mitt.
@Pauletta Preach much? Ridiculous.
Bewitchin1, you asked about the stories of persons committing crimes for gambling not in the news. There are many you probably do not follow the full reasons for why the money was taken. A mother takes several thousands from their league account, a bank employee took thousands from her clients bank accounts, charities losing thousands to pay off debts, a bookkeeper creates a false account to steal thousands from her employer, city official steals millions to cover debt, city official stole money marked for equipment to pay debt, and the stories go on. Most companies and officials want to limit the full story because people will think they were remiss or responsible for not catching the addicted employee. In reality it was not the fault of anyone but the addicted person who really doesn't have any control of this compulsive disease. And lets face facts, this addiction that devastates and drives most to a level of bitterness and hatred to the addicted. I see it every day because I am a recovering gambler. I will punish myself for the this addiction even though I asked for forgiveness and do better. I lost two years of memories that, from what I hear, are better off gone and constantly find a compassion for many I did not know existed. To complete my recovery I had to find a program that was 1Â
You  Â
How about hitting the reply link? If you want a person to respond that is. Â
For most of us morally conscience minded folks, we can actually have a good time and not let this get out of control.  Â
I'm voting for it...big time. You can't say it will bring in crime, increase traffic and "gambling problems". Excuse me...but we already have all of those, and for many years. What we'd gain are more jobs and family activities. So go ahead...don't vote for it. What will we have then? More crime (thank you Max!), gamblers that go to card halls and Indian casinos (and with the price of gas that revenue will drop), traffic will still increase, and we still won't have the jobs we need or someplace else to go that takes more gas to get to. We need to stop being so snobbish and whiney. I can remember when WalMart was being built in Wood Village. The lamenting over that was just stupid to hear. What now? The very neighbors that boo'd and hissed at the thought of a Walmart coming in to our precious community (oh HORRORS!) are the same ones I see at the check-out line in that very store. Yep...I'm voting for it. See you all at the slots. And you'll be having a great time I'm sure.
Im voting against it....the schools have enough money.
Unfortunately, addicted gambling is not a lot of people's first priority and that may be a problem as it seems to be making an impact on many communities just from the tribal casinos and lottery we currently have. How many stories have you seen about working people who have dedicated their time to community projects and family only to become every day felons in order to feed this habit. The reality it is an addiction that makes even the most reliable cross boundaries, Just the like the person on television who says "He/she was the kindness person I know and would never have thought they could kill someone". Everyone has the capability of doing someone awful if they are pushed harder enough without help or caring people to step in.
Both bills we will vote on are for private casinos from Canadian backers who own Oregonians nothing but the right to make money. They can promise anything they want but reality is in what we are already experiencing. The money that is paid in taxes will not be reduce our property taxes, it is not amount that will vary with the adjusted reported revenue. As all good business persons they will use every tax credit on the books to reduce their payments. If the profits are not considered enough they will close it and move on.
There will be jobs in the hotels, casinos, and restaurant but those applying will have to meet high security clearance to work at the facility, which may pose a problem for many workers. The only union jobs could be the construction as to date there are few union positions in restaurants, casinos, and hotels.
And, it is better than what we have now theory brings me back to the "it is the lessor of two evils" concept.
I know everyone is experiencing difficult times and it appears this will never end but maybe it is time to take a page from Christ's teaching on looking out for your fellow man/woman. Look out for yourself by thinking of others and it will come back to you twice over.  Â
@Pauletta The only "stories" I've ever seen are the ads for Gamblers Anon. When has there been a "story" on the news about "how many stories have you seen about working people who have dedicated their time to community projects and family only to become every day felons in order to feed this habit." I've never read one in the newspaper either. Drugs yes...but I've not seen a specific story about that.Â
 @Bewitchin1 Well it's like alcohol and drugs they play well together..
gambling and alcohol or drugs...
You just hear about the bad one and not the gambling..Â
What ever the nice panel said it's time homeowners got some help...taxes are killing us. Maybe if people that plan on voting for all these bond issues will also vote no...or the state could make it so The Property Owners are the only ones that can vote on the bond issues. They are the ones with anything at stake....WE NEED HELP - so vote FOR the casino's. Addicted gambling is not my first priority....
Put your money where your mouth is... offer 20% of annual casino profits to the local community for the next 20 years.. roads.. police... fire.. parks... schools...
That's right lets put it in L.O. oh wait there is no eye sore in need of replacing in L.O..  Low paying jobs are better than no paying jobs.  Illegals getting all the jobs, is because you didn't apply for a job. Its funny how people complain about no jobs, not enough money for schools and simply nothing to do in east Portland/ Gresham area.  This facility will provide several things to do other than test your luck in the casino, but without the casino the others would not be possible.
 @stump23 I disagree on many of your points.  In your comment you counter-dict yourself.  Local job improvement is important but it goes beyond what local governments can do.  We have to stop giving tax breaks to invest in other countries. Â
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Yes, one of the biggest reasons I'm against Romney is that he wants to continue the tax breaks for the rich so they can invest 95% of that money overseas. Â It's simple, if we want jobs in Oregon and in the U.S.A. we have to invest in America. Â I also think casinos are a bad investment because it hurts the poor more who need to win than the rich who can afford to go to Vegas.
@MFMFIM @stump23Â Â Â """"Romney is that he wants to continue the tax breaks for the rich"""""
BTW, Mittens wants to keep the current tax rates FOR EVERYONE. Do yo realize the top 10% of tax payers are paying OVER 70% of all taxes paid.  How much to you expect them to pay???
 @MrAchilles Lie much
I personally know someone that pays 67% of their income BEFORE paying thier employees.  Ignorant much?
@kramr
First of all, your figure of 70% appears to be wrong. Fact-checking that number from sources other than right-wing propaganda machines shows a much lower number. Add to that the fact that the top 1% controls between 80% and 90% of all stocks and bonds, the tables are tilted even further. In other words, while they may pay a decent percentage of overall income tax, they earn the lion's share of income when compared to other demographics. Not to mention that people like me - the shrinking middle class - has never paid anywhere near 13%. You can almost triple that before you get to my rate as a percentage of my income. Boo-hoo for the rich. They earn more and pay a lower percentage. We cry a river for them - as we watch them deposit their money at the bank.
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If we assume your number of 70% is anywhere near correct, that really makes my case for me. If the wealthy of this country pay only 70% of the total income taxes paid, that mathematically supports the idea that they are paying far less as a percentage of their income. You see, it is not a matter of âhow much do I want them to payâ when you throw out a number like that. They make the lionâs share of the overall income earned and by that fact alone, they should pay the lionâs share of the taxes. The simple fact is they pay a lower percentage of their income in taxes than the middle-class or poor people of this country. That is even clearer when you add in all taxes â sales taxes, etc. The simple fact is, you make no money, you pay no income tax. If the super-rich want to pay fewer taxes, they can make less money. What percentage of their income â not the overall income tax paid - do you think would be fair when most people in the middle class pay more than they do in terms of percentage of income?
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I agree with the poster MFMFIM - they should pay the same percentage as me. They should not get a 'discount' on income from investments. They should not be able to 'hide' income offshore and still be considered patriotic. We used to have a progressive tax in this country. The more you take as income, the more you pay. Thatâs not a complex idea.
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Anyone not paying their fair share in terms of percentage of income should be considered a parasite. Mitt Robbedme is a perfect example. The truth is, aside from ensuring the people like him will continue to pay less than the rest of us, we have no idea what Mitt Robbedme wants to do. Every day he says something that completely contradicts something he has said in the past. One thing we know for sure, he is not at all honest and he is in the pockets of his billionaire donors.
 @kramr  @MFMFIM I expect them to pay the same percentage that I pay, 38% of they earnings. Â
 @MFMFIM  @stump23 What exactly does "counter-dict" mean? Also how exactly does the casino hurt the poor?
 @B Smizzle  @stump23 They put their hopes into a big win.  Most of them just loose they little money they have.
This location would of been perfect for a baseball stadium. I never heard if anyone ever suggested that.
That being said, the economy really needs a boost.
I say give it a shot.
 @Jack_Bauer I did propose this but the neighbor hood didn't like the idea of bright lights and the county wanted a year round plan.
I would like to see gambling leave our state all together.  Gambling seems to consume people, like an addiction.  Causing them to hurt people they never would other wise. I know I can't do anything about the lottery and the Native American casinos.  Yet opening more casinos is just a bad idea. Â
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This isn't the first time that a private company has come to Oregon wanting to build casinos.  We need more jobs but at what cost?  For one, I'm tired of seeing stories of soccer moms stealing money from the soccer league to pay for the addiction to gambling. Â
 @MFMFIM Against gambling....against Casino's?  Then don't go to them, but don't limit others choices just because you don't like it!
 @B Smizzle I don't go to Oregon casinos.  I can't say I don't go to casinos, because I do in Nevada when I'm visiting my parents.
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Why are you in support of Oregon casinos?
@MFMFIM @B Smizzle It is called choice.Â
What a pipedream this project is. I enjoy gambling and I would never vote for it. The Indian casinos are enough. If this casino was allowed there would be no stopping the gaming industries. Enough is enough!
 @ritfam Stopping them from what?
 @B Smizzle  @ritfam "Measure 82 would authorize private casinos......" I won't copy the whole sentence please read that for yourself. I'm afraid we would see casinos on every street corner! So to speak.
We need to remember that it is not a fact that this venture will contribute $100 million to the Oregon General Fund but and estimate. No one can predict the success of this project and how many taxes will ultimately be paid to Oregon. If you are watching their ads you will notice that now the claim is there will be 2,000 jobs created but it does not say they are full time. The jobs estimate is based on the beginning of the project and not the final full employment staff needed to maintain the facility. Once built the job pool should be closer to 200 jobs that may require layoffs when the dazzle wears off. Casinos usually begin a downward attendance after 5 years. The other side of coin is the ads this high profile public relations firm is transmitting does not show or mention the gaming floor with its 2,000 slot machines and 100 card tables. People who are proud of their businesses show them off and this is obviously not the case. Let us be a state that produces businesses with stable jobs, benefits, and products we can be proud of advertising. No more promises of trucks of money for schools that eventually result in officials have to do extreme budget cuts just to stay alive. Vote no and let the tribal casinos and lottery be the extent of our gaming endeavors.Â
@Pauletta ...whatever they contribute to the community is more than what we have now...
 @KHEB Like you??  Wow
The only jobs to be had are minimum wage and will usually go to illegals ...
The money will leave the state and taxes will be deferred until the 12th of never...
Can you say Jack Abramoff???
So Who is....doing like jack Abramoff and getting paid  for "astroturfing", or the creation of a fake "grassroots" campaign as in this situation?????
 A small disclaimer notes the ad was paid for by the campaign supporting Measures 82 and 83.
Oh Ok so that must be them.........
@cptmac11 ...whatever they are paid is more than what they have now - and maybe, just maybe they'll get off the gov-provided rolls...
 @KHEB  @cptmac11 Na even after a 40 hour week they will Still be eligible for food stampsÂ
The IRS held an opportunity period where people who had money in a Swiss bank account were told to disclose and close accounts and they would Not be prosecuted...
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The Requirement be that they Admit guilt to avoid prosecution for tax evasion..
Mitt is known to have been a precipitant in this program.
This is why he will Never release his tax returns and Can Never become president.... Â Â
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@cptmac11 ...and what does this have to do with the topic at hand?
 @cptboneheadÂ
You are such a dufuss. you are like a lame little chiuahuah that wont quit barking. Puny, annoying and with no bite.
Ya, I know there are pros and cons to this. We have been talking about it for years. So for me personally, Iâm just going with my gut instinct which has rarely led me astray. Iâm voting agents it. The few jobs it would provide just donât seem worth it in the long run. If they want it soooo bad, why donât they try building it in Lake Oswego?
 @1984isnow Doesn't the spell checker suck on this site!  I hope you are voting against it rather than agents it.
ya, my typing kind of sucks lol
Other stories, I have read, include the fact that they will contribute $100 million to the Oregon general fund for schools, or whatever needed..(Oregonlive.com)..That is a very important part of voting Yes or No on the both ballot measures..Â
 @bat54 That's kind of sad in a way. You could give the schools trillions of dollars and -some how- they'd come up short.
I'd like to know how a casino would increase crime as to proponents say.
"On Friday, a majority of 24 citizens who spent a week studying Measure 82 and hearing arguments on both sides recommended 17-7 that voters reject it."
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Well I sat at a dinner table of 9 "citizens" who decided that we should vote for it. I am waiting for KATU to put that into the article.
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My guess the 24 so called nameless "citizens" don't represent me or my interests.
Hey Ralph it would be nice to know how many tribal members paid off that  that "24 citizen group"
 @shadowwalkerÂ
For sure. And what their motives and agendas are.
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No one paid us off cause we are NOBODY.