"Backers of what would be the first privately owned, non-tribal casino in the state are back on the ballot, two years after their first attempt to site a private casino went down in flames. The proposed casino and entertainment complex in Wood Village was a bad idea in 2010 and it's a bad idea now, despite proponents' attempts to dress it up as a family-friendly resort.

The proposed Wood Village casino, now dubbed "The Grange" after backers belatedly agreed to pay the real Grange some cash to use the name temporarily, would be built on the site of the defunct Multnomah Kennel Club, a former greyhound-racing track. Backers say it would include a hotel, movie theaters, restaurants, a bowling alley and a water park in addition to a casino.

To make all this a reality, two initiative measures are on the Nov. 6 ballot. Measure 82 would amend the Oregon Constitution to permit private casinos in Oregon. Measure 83 would specifically approve the Wood Village casino. Wood Village residents also are voting on a local measure to permit the casino."

Get the Story:
Editorial: A bad bet for Oregon: No on measures 82, 83 (The Medford Mail-Tribune 10/10)

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