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Oregon Casino Supporters Face Hurdle

OREGON – As reported by the Portland Tribune: "Supporters of the first nontribal casino in the Portland area face a daunting challenge — to collect 100,000-plus valid voter signatures before a July 7 deadline to qualify their three measures for the November election.

"Bruce Studer and Matt Rossman, Lake Oswego neighbors who want to build a casino at the former Multnomah Greyhound Park in Wood Village, believe they can beat the deadline. They have formed a political action committee called Good for Oregon to place the measures on the ballot.

"Although the Oregon Supreme Court has yet to consider the wording of their measures, Rossman said he believes the court will approve them before the end of the month, leaving enough time to collect the signatures.

"'We're confident we can do it in a month,' said Rossman, a lawyer, who said the paid petition signature gathering company they've retained will throw every worker into the task once the court approves the wording.

"Other experienced signature gatherers think Studer and Rossman will run out of time, however.

"…The Oregon Constitution currently prohibits nontribal casinos in the state. Last week the Oregon secretary of state's office approved titles for the three ballot measures submitted by Studer and Rossman that would amend the Constitution and direct the Legislature to authorize a casino at the closed dog track.

"Opponents have until May 16 to appeal the wording to the court, which has the option of quickly considering the case. reduce potential opposition from the tribes that currently operate casinos…"

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