Ex-governors oppose Oregon casino ballot measures
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Three former Oregon governors are joining the current chief executive in opposing a proposal to build the state's first nontribal casino.
Republican Vic Atiyeh and Democrats Barbara Roberts and Ted Kulongoski implored voters to oppose Measures 82 and 83, which would allow developers to build a casino in Portland's eastern suburbs. Current Gov. John Kitzhaber filmed a television commercial last week urging a "no" vote.
The governors warned in a news conference that a new casino would increase crime in the area while harming Indian tribes that operate Oregon's nine existing casinos and rely on the profits to pay for social services such as housing, health care and education.
Casino proponents tout a fun destination that they say would create jobs and generate money for parks, police and schools.
"Don't be fooled by the multimillion-dollar TV ads," said Roberts, who was governor from 1991 to 1995. "This is not about water features or movie theaters or farmers markets or fine dining. This is about money, big money — gambling money, and gaming profits."
Oregon's tribal casinos don't bring the same burdens as private casinos because they're located on remote tribal land, not in the middle of a big city, Roberts said.
Casino proponents have said that the issue will be decided by voters, not by politicians.
"The opposition campaign is funded by Oregon's current casino establishment. It's not surprising they would be opposed to competition," said Stacey Dycus, campaign manager for the casino proponents.
Both sides have spent liberally on television commercials touting the benefits and drawbacks of expanding gambling in Oregon.
Casinos are currently illegal in Oregon, but the state's ban doesn't extend to Indian reservations. Tribes run casinos on their land under federal law, with the state's permission.
Voters shouldn't look toward the casino's profits as the solution to struggling government budgets, Kulongoski said.
"This isn't going to solve Oregon's financial problems," Kulongoski said.
Measure 82 would change the state constitution to allow gambling in Oregon, with some restrictions, if each casino is approved in a statewide vote and in the community where it would be located. Measure 83 would specifically authorize the casino in Wood Village with up to 3,500 slot machines and 150 tables, and require that 25 percent of revenue go to the state lottery fund.
Clairvest Group Inc., a private equity firm based in Toronto, is the primary investor in the casino, working with Great Canadian Gaming Inc., which runs more than a dozen casinos and race tracks in British Columbia and Washington state, and two Lake Oswego businessmen who have been trying since 2005 to get voter approval for a privately owned casino.
The developers are advertising their project as a family-friendly destination called "The Grange," which they say would include a casino, hotel, theater and water slide on the site of the abandoned Multnomah Kennel Club in Wood Village, a town of less than 4,000 people on the eastern edge of metropolitan Portland, about 15 miles from downtown.
They say the casino would be 130,000 square feet — about the size of an average Target store — with 2,200 slot machines and 100 table games. Their plans call for a 125-room hotel, water park, bowling alley, concert hall and a public space for farmers markets and other gatherings.
The proponents say they'll build the project as advertised, although there's no requirement that they do so.
Time to tax the gamblers. All the other casinos are not REMOTE.
The feds have just said that they see no reason to stop the Cowlitz from building a casino in Clark County. So, one way or another there is going to be a casino in the Portland Metro area, if not in Wood Village then in Clark County.
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It is obvious that the main thrash is that a private casino could put a hurt on the Oregon Lottery. It is also obvious that the Native American casinos do not want a privately owned casino.
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I don't know if a privately owned casino is good or bad, but the competition from one sure puts a scare in those that already have a monopoly. Maybe, the competition would be good.
Holy Moley !!!!!!!! I am so sick and tired of politicians , sticking their nose in business where it doesnt belong !!!!! The grange will be great !!!! I agree with the other guy that they need to focus on all the horrible strip clubs out there !!!!
JUST LOOK AT THAT CRAZY LADY BARBARA ROBERTS !!!! SHE LOOKS NUTS ABOUT THIS CASINO THING !!!!! You would think that these F(#&$&$^CKING MORONS would get more PISSED OFF ABOUT BEING the ADULT STRIP CLUB CAPITOL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA !!!!!
Hello, I think that these Ex congress people have KNOW NOTHING ABOUT BUSINESS PERIOD !!!! This will STIMULATE the ECONOMY in WOOD VILLAGE soooooo much and all around WOOD VILLAGE !!!!!! Portland,Troutdale,Camas,Vancouver, and I mean everywhere in and around PORTLAND !!!!! I am the kind of guy that will gamble a measly 10.00 for a week in Las Vegas, so I really don't care about gambling, I think gambling is VERY FOOLISH !!!! I am a INVESTOR not a GAMBLER !!!!! But, I sure like the idea of BULLDOZING that old RUN DOWN Piece of S(*$&$IT DOG TRACKS !!! Didn't that used to be a GAMBLING PLACE ANYWAY !!!! I think this should not even be up for a vote !!! Were not talking LEGALIZING DRUGS HERE !!!! Â I think these EX-GOVERNERS should SHUT the hell up !!!!! They need to stay out of business, they are a bunch of TAX MOOCHING SLOTHS !!!!
One thing these dolts have in common - they make enough in their retirement funds, money we donate to their life styles, paying property taxes is no big deal for them...It is for those of us not on, in, or was on the public dole, we have to scrape and save to pay ours....we need this Casino, at least it's a start on Property Tax Relief...
If these four rejects are against it, I'm all for it. These four political losers have cost Oregon to much already.
Previous comments make good points. I find the past governors a joke. They don't care about crime, every time citizens complained about the Max and didn't want it running in their neighborhood, they were ignored. it has some thing do that will affect them personally. As for jobs, how many of these job will go to people who are here illegally or Americans? I personally would vote for it now just because I would send the previous Mayors a message, you have never cared about the Max and the crime and how it affects the citizens, and morality what a joke. You never cared about morality either.
To add a comment concerning Roberts little get together for Women's rights, women have enough rights, they have more than they should in my opinion. They wanted to be able to work and get paid a higher wage, they do. Women also got a law passed for them to force the company to hold them a position while they are off on maternity leave, (burdening their co-workers) there are no laws to protect men. They got a holiday passed to forced bosses to acknowledge them on secretarial day. No choice, good old guilt trip.Now the crazy ones, want to be able to walk around uncovered, nursing their babies, insensitive to other people who are walking by them with their children. They want to force their views on others, but shame on me it would be soooooo hard to nurse the baby under a modesty blanket. OMG Women have too many rights, they have crossed the line. How many of you have to participate in personal events at work and after work with your female bosses in order to have a smooth day at work? Again, woman have too many rights, and the former mayors don't care about morality or crime and how it affects citizens. By the way I am a woman, and I started working in the time era when women weren't being paid fairly, I never thought crazy women would be allowed to get away with what they get away with.
 @Jan QwibThank God .... a woman has spoken what my wife and I have been saying for years thank you Jan, I have always supported my wife and women's rights but I agree that some have crossed the line, maybe someday men will get equal rights too .
And crime will rise so say the opponents ha .... the light rail brings crime from Portland out to the suburbs on a daily basis but you don't hear about that being a problem, maybe we should have a casino in several Oregon cities not just Portland I'll bet that would get Oregon out of our finical problems.
We need jobs here in Portland not the temporary construction jobs that don't last long but full time employment jobs and the Grange will provide it, Indian run casinos have helped their people it's time we do the same, the present Governor so far hasn't done much to help with employment and no one has helped the schools and police with their finical problems, stop telling us what to do if this is a way to help Oregon jobs then a YES VOTE is what we need, we need to get the state ban on gambling and casinos lifted to help schools and other vital services get more funding. stop crying we have no jobs, make a stand get this built.
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Something I'd really like to see is a piece on how the residents of Wood Village, Troutdale & Gresham feel about the proposed casino.Â
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It's easy for everyone from Eugene and Beaverton to voice support, as they will not have to live directly with the consequences from any such business in their city. Beyond the claims of 'economic growth' and the Gov universal opposition, I'd be really curious as to how the people who are going to have to live with it ever day feel.Â
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Please note, not the businesses, who's owners likely live in Lake Oswego and Vancouver, but the citizens who are going to wake up every morning with the casino as their neighbor.Â
I will support any economic growth in Oregon! Unlike the Democrats and our governor!
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So these "FORMER" Governors are giving thier input. AWESOME! Now where is thier input on how the state can generate more revenue? Why are they not forfeiting thier monthly payments out of the states budget and giving it back to help the schools? But they are sure more than willing to say what they thin is best for Oregon. The revenue that is going to the tribal casinos , where does that money help the state? Oh wait It DOESN'T. But this casino is going to bring jobs, healthcare for employees, and revenue for the region and the state. I do not know about Wood Village's city budget but I bet they will get a nice economic boost from this. @TheGrangeOregon is a great Idea, let's bring the money back to the citizens who pay taxes and keep the money in the state not to those outside of government arms.
These clowns are pissed because they are not getting a piece of the pie.
If Oregon politicians are against this then it must be good for Oregon.
"Oregon's tribal casinos don't bring the same burdens as private casinos because they're located on remote tribal land, not in the middle of a big city, Roberts said."
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People still have to drive there, it still draws people. Just how bad of crime problem has it created in Grand Rhone or Lincoln city? Hell that casino and the outlet malls are about all that draws people to Lincoln city. Â
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Everytime we push big companies out the door, we lose that tax base.Â
I don't want Canadians to be able to change Oregon's constitution for any reason.
I didn't know whether it was a good idea or not, until they came out against it. They've convinced me... If they're against it, it's got to be a good idea.
In Summary:
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The locals unions have yet come up with deal with people that want to build the casino.
If the unions wanted, and thought they could get the jobs, they would want the casino.
And if the unions wanted the casino you can be sure these bought and paid for puppets would also want the casino.
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Pathetic. Consistent, but pathetic.
Vic Atiyeh is still alive? Good for him!
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Kulongoski, shave the beard; you're not in an indy-rock band.
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Where's Goldschmidt? Why wasn't he invited? Or has he gotten tired of the mob with torches and pitchforks hounding him?
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"Oregon's nine existing casinos and rely on the profits to pay for social services such as housing, health care and education."
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How about some photographs of that housing, health care facilities, and schools built and funded by the Indian tribes that operate Oregon's nine existing casinos?
and how much of that money is coming back to the State? Answer = $0.00
@Cable-guy Chris It's over $130 million in taxes from tribal members, employees and  small businesses. All in Oregon.
Good Suggestion! See the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde website if you want to see for yourself.
This is from Dember 2011. Do you think 'The Grunge' will be doing this? These are all  programs that are in just 6 Willamette Valley counties.
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YOU, the taxpayer are not paying a dime for these grants!"Spirit Mountain Community Fund surpasses $55 million in giving.
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For the fourth quarter this year, Spirit Mountain Community Fund on Dec. 7 issued 28 grants totalling $388,200. The event marked the Tribe surpassing $55 million in giving in less than 15 years.
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This quarterâs Community Fund awards went predominantly to education projects. Public safety and health projects received the second and third highest funding in this round of grants.
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Twelve education projects received $162,000 while $104,000 went to five public safety projects and $90,000 went to eight health projects. Also, $20,000 went to one Arts and Culture project and the last $12,000 went to two environmental preservation projects.
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Among those funded was a $25,000 grant to the Boys and Girls Club of Corvallis for a teen drop-in center helping with college readiness for low-income youth".
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@mrsmerkin
 I say if the nations are self sufficient off the casinos , then the Feds need to stop the above federal grants ,entitlements, and guilt stipends , disolve the reservations and make very one of those tribe members tax paying us citizens. That would accomplish two things. 1. The US will stop bleeding money out thier ears for no reason, 2. the tax revenue for the states and the feds will go up exponentially.
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@Civ OK, that's a great idea, let's do right after the Fed's start taxing churches!
@mrsmerkin So now the nations are now a non profit entity??? What the hell do need casinos for then????
 @mrsmerkin AND YET THEY PAY NO TAXES!!! There are many organizations that give charitably and also pay taxes!!! For example NIKE!!!!
Blubyrd: You seem to forget that Tribes and casinos are located on treaty-guaranteed reservations...and are completely sovereign nations, not state land. The crappiest, most unwanted areas are where Natives were marched to, because nobody else wanted the land we were allocated. My ancestors were treated horribly and many died at the hands of the 'civilized' white man. We were given little in exchange for what they took from us. Land, fish, water, food, culture, our way of life. Did you know that were sterilizing girls at Chemeketa "boarding" school, against their knowledge into the 1970's? Good for us for becoming self-suffient against all odds. Have you ever spent the winter sifting horse manure for wheat because the reservation agent sold/gave all the indian supplies to the settlers? My relatives did.
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We have agreements with the state. And we honor them, as should they. We do not sell cigarettes or fireworks, and recieve a paltry sum for that.
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And I, as all tribal members do, pay regular taxes, just like you. Probably more, becaue I am part of the 47% as a SAHM. And most of us using tribal services are not sponging off of goverment services.
Amen!!! Â In California where I'm from, the state tries desperately to steal triabal money through piss poorly negotiated gaming compacts. Â They've been trying to sponge money from the gaming tribes for awhile; the state, it seems, is incapable of balancing their entitlement-heavy budget ... Â Oh, Â look, Native Money!!! Â Let's steal it!!! Â The White man has been screwing the brown man for so long, I'm surprised we haven't yet revolted!!! Â @mrsmerkin
@blubryd I'm going to get some facts for you tomorrow.
Fact: 'The Grunge" is estimated to be taking $73-$92 MILLION from the state lottery funds. I am pretty sure they will not be giving that much back, but I'll ask someone. The Grunge will not be paying the $150 tax per machine that each local "mom and pop" or family business/tavern pays to the State. I'd guess many small establishments around the Metro are will be hurt or put out of business as well.
@blubyrd So you don't know either. Oh well.
But I'm proud that we don't pay 11-year old kids a few pennies to make the special N-7 "Indian" shoes or massacre thousands of kangaroos to make nice soft soccer shoes. Doesn't that count for something? Sorry, I digress.
 @mrsmerkin Just google it!!!   NIKE posts its fiscal results quarterly. Nothing to prove it is easily accessible.
What does Nike actually pay in taxes? Show your work.
Anything they are against I will vote for..Worst gov's ever.........
This is the attitude that has this country in a bitter mess...
No one asked you, ex governors.
I'll trade you a casino for legalized pot.
Keep those money grubbing Lake Oswego goons out of Oregon.
@Luckylucy Actually, the goons will be profitting personally, but 60-75% of all revenue will be going directly to Canada.
i wonder if somebody is getting kick backs.
The Indians do not want any competition. That is the whole jist of it in a nutshell.
All the ex-governors where horrible governors, so why does their opinion matter?
 @Jamie I agree.  Being the wonderful politicians they are, If they had some $ invested I think they'd change their tune.
Why wouldn't the tribes produce an ad showing exactly how their members benefit from casino profits? My guess is that a greater percentage of these profits go to the groups that fronted the tribes the money. I could be wrong, but Indian gaming has been around long enough (and made enough money) to produce results. Let's see them.Â
@pitpat The www.StillBadFor Oregon.com group is being outspent by 4 to 6 times what the opponents are spending: Millions and million of dollars for slick, dishonest ads. There just isn't the money to fight them on the TV level. Spirit Mountain, for one, has paid what they borrowed many years ago to start up.
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We take care of our own, the elders recieve the most asssitance financially, but most of us have health insurance, education, home-buying assistance, burial funds, and multiple other services that we do not take from any federal or state govenment. We pay taxes on the gambling revenue we recieve, and believe me, nobody is getting rich. Â
They are all FILTHY RICH & GET MULTIPLE GOVERNMENT CHECKS monthly; they don't have to work....
Dude,
 First off, the land that the tribes have, is their land; they can do what they want with it!!!  They were given this land, the crappiest of all, in the hopes that the Natives would just go away and die!  But no, the Natives refused to roll over and die!!!  Instead, they've become self-sufficient.  Would you prefer that the Natives be dependent upon Uncle Sam for their sustenance like the rest of America?  Or, would you prefer that the state go groveling to the tribes for money?  Personally, I prefer the latter; oh, the bitter irony!!!  Oh, just for the record, there is no "Progress in Socialism..."  Unless of course, you consider shared misery progress!!!
@August100
@August100 That is a big fat lie. You are sadly mistaken and incorrect.
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To prove it to you, just send me your address, and I'll come pick you up in my POS car, and if it makes it back to my crappy leaking tipi in Felony Flats, I'll serve you some nice Top Ramen for lunch! Maybe we can go to Winco iafterwards and check out the expired-meat bargain bin!