Casino would hike crime, congestion and problem gambling

Casino would hike crime, congestion and problem gambling, opponents charge

Published: Monday, September 10, 2012

By Harry Esteve The Oregonian


Don Ryan/APBackers of ballot measures that would allow construction
of private casinos in Oregon want to redevelop the old greyhound racing
track in Wood Village. Opponents say it would bring more crime to the
neighborhood.

Backers of ballot measures that would allow construction of private casinos in Oregon want to redevelop the old greyhound racing track in Wood Village. Opponents say it would bring more crime to the neighborhood.

FAIRVIEW -- Opponents of a proposed casino near Portland sought Monday to counter a barrage of campaign ads touting jobs and family fun, saying what's really planned is a massive gambling center that would boost crime and cater to people hooked on slot machines.

At a news conference held a short distance from the proposed casino site in Wood Village, a coalition of critics warned that the casino would be bigger and more damaging to the community than the "entertainment center" developers have described.

"This would be the largest casino in the United States," said Cynara Lilly, spokeswoman for the coalition that calls itself Still a Bad Idea Oregon. After an inquiry from The Oregonian, Lilly corrected herself and asserted it would be the biggest in the West, including any Las Vegas casino.

Casino supporters disputed her claims.

"Campaigns are based on the war between hope and fear," said Rick Metsger, a former Oregon state senator who is serving as spokesman for the casino proponents. "As you look at the facts, you'll see the fear is unwarranted." [Lawmaker to Lobbyist]

As planned, the casino would have 130,000 square feet and 2,200 slot machines, which would make it the biggest in the state and rank it among the bigger Vegas attractions. Spirit Mountain, currently the biggest casino in Oregon, has about 1,860 slots on 60,000 square feet of casino space.

Oregon voters are being asked to decide two related ballot measures in November, 82 and 83. The first would change the state constitution to allow private casinos; the second would site the casino at the old Multnomah Kennel Club.

Supporters have launched a vigorous advertising campaign on TV and by mail describing what they call a family-friendly "entertainment center," that would include a water park, movie theaters, bowling alley and other non-gambling amenities in addition to a casino.

Opponents called the advertising "deceptive," because the main revenue generator would be the casino.

"They can say whatever they want to," Lilly said, noting that the ballot language allows up to 3,500 slots. She and others at the press conference warned that developers could build a casino, hotel and restaurant and call it good. "It's important that voters clearly see what they're voting on," she said.

Not so, said Metsger. The ballot measures call for spending at least $250 million -- far more than needed for just a casino -- and the memorandum of understanding with Wood Village calls for the complete build-out as advertised.

"Any claim that it's just the casino is totally untrue," Metsger said.

Size, however, was only one issue raised by opponents.

"They're making their money by problem, addicted gamblers," not families out for a fun time, said Teresa Bright, who lives three blocks from the dog track. "I think that would wreck my neighborhood."

Retired Gresham police Chief Carla Piluso said already bad traffic congestion in the area would get even worse, and that the casino parking lot would become a magnet for crime. "That's a rich environment for car break-ins," Piluso said, predicting at least four calls a day to local police.

"The burden on law enforcement is going to be huge," she said.

Metsger countered that there hasn't been any notable uptick in crime around the tribal casinos, so there's no reason to believe it would happen at one in Wood Village. Part of the plan calls for 100 full-time security staff, he said. "It may be one of the most secure places in Oregon."

It's unclear how much money has been spent so far by casino supporters, although the early run of ads suggests a campaign that will range into the millions of dollars. Lilly said her side won't be able to match supporters dollar for dollar, but said they plan to run a "serious" campaign that will get the message out.

So far, the sole backer has been the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, which has kicked in about $300,000, according to state records.

-- Harry Esteve




http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/09/casino_would_hike_crime_conges.html