Indian Gaming > Grand Ronde: Off-reservation casino bad for Oregon

July 03, 2006

Grand Ronde: Off-reservation casino bad for Oregon

"Over the last four years, the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde have been forced to defend its interests because of Gov. Ted Kulongoski's change in longstanding state policy that allowed Native American casinos only on reservation lands. But The Oregonian's recent article about the tribe's political activities ("Tribe takes gamble in turf war," June 27) failed to note that a positive alternative exists to this policy that would be good for tribes and all Oregonians.

Of course a competing casino close to Portland at Cascade Locks in the Columbia River Gorge would harm the Grand Ronde. It would likely force us to make deep cuts in health care and other programs vital to the well-being of our members. That's one reason we oppose it. But a gorge casino is also bad for all Oregonians, which is why polls consistently show most Oregonians oppose it and why a broad coalition of environmental, small-business and pro-family organizations also oppose it.

The proposed gorge casino might be Oregon's first off-reservation casino, but you can bet it won't be the last. In 1996, the Grand Ronde approved a resolution opposing off-reservation casinos. We knew then what Congress is learning today: Unless casinos are limited exclusively to tribal lands -- for the benefit of tribal members and surrounding communities -- the lust for money will lead casinos closer and closer to major cities."

Get the Story:
Grand Ronde Chairwoman Cheryle Kennedy: Oregon will lose with off-reservation casino (The Oregonian 7/3)