Oregon: The Same Phony Promises, Same Threats

"They might build a casino in (blank) that poses a threat" or "We promise mega tax revenues" and "We promise to employ everybody."

The phony promises of jobs and revenues and economic development never come to pass because they weren't real to begin with and Beacon Hill is not alone in falling for those fairy tales.


Lake Oswego businessmen Matt Rossman and Bruce Studer have been working to bring a $250 million "world-class entertainment center" -- their term -- to Wood Village for almost six years. After several false starts, they think this is their year to finally force a statewide vote. Gov. Ted Kulongoski, an opponent, is on his way out. Oregon counties and schools need cash. The Cowlitz Tribe's push for a casino in La Center, Wash., 16 miles up Interstate 5, is building momentum.

If you get a Slot Parlor for $600 million, wonder what you get for $250 million? It's difficult to imagine ANYONE more gullible than Beacon Hill.

"A casino is coming to the Portland area," Rossman said. "It needs to be in Oregon."

Rossman and Studer say they'll create up to 3,000 permanent jobs. They've promised to give state and local governments 25 percent of their annual gross revenues.


Wow! Where have we heard overinflated job numbers before?

Kight is understandably torn.

"If they do this right, it means phenomenal growth for our hotel-motel industry. It could lead to a convention center hotel out here. Nobody else has the capital to do anything with that land," he said. "At the same time, no hyperbole, this would change the face of Oregon. Once you allow gambling like this, it won't just be Wood Village.


IF THEY DO IT RIGHT ?

The rhetoric is the same wherever you go.


"I just don't know. It's a lot of money. It's a lot of uncertainty. You can see why I'm not really excited to talk about it, right?"