LO investors roll dice with voters

By Shannon Wells

The Lake Oswego Review, Feb 4, 2010

ADVERTISEMENTS

Two Lake Oswego businessmen who for years have proposed a non-tribal casino and entertainment complex in Wood Village are again preparing to put the concept to voters in the November general election.

Representing themselves as the “Good For Oregon” committee, Bruce Studer and Matt Rossman announced Jan. 27, they’ve filed initiatives with the Oregon Secretary of State’s office. The initiatives seek voter approval for what would be the state’s first privately operated casino and entertainment center at the former Multnomah Kennel Club at Halsey Street and 223rd Avenue, adjacent to the Wood Village Town Center.

“With double-digit unemployment in Oregon, declining tax and lottery revenues, along with slow job growth opportunities, the time has come to stop the political divisiveness and come together for positive economic change,” Rossman said in a statement.

Wood Village Mayor Dave Fuller has vocally supported the economic benefits of the proposal. However, neighboring leaders including Fairview Mayor Mike Weatherby, Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis and former Troutdale Mayor Paul Thalhofer – citing traffic, public safety and gambling-related social health concerns – have expressed firm opposition .

The latest initiative filing marks the fourth time since 2006 that Studer and Rossman have intended to move forward with gathering at least 100,000 signatures for a ballot measure.

In spring 2008, the pair decided to forgo the signature-gathering process for that fall’s election. They blamed delays created by an unsuccessful legal appeal by the Grand Ronde Native American tribe as well as negative publicity from unrelated casino proposals.

1 | 2 Next Page >>