"Take a strong, unified stand. Too often that powerful tactic is overlooked by governmental bodies. Not so Monday night at the Vancouver City Council meeting, when members voted unanimously to oppose a proposed Cowlitz casino in north Clark County.

Why would council members pass a resolution that applies to a project 13 miles away? Because Vancouver is the largest city in Clark County and as the resolution states, "will suffer many of the negative effects" that a mega-casino would bring if the federal government allows one to be built along Interstate 5 near La Center.

The councilors made a correct and courageous call. Now it's time for other cities - particularly La Center and Ridgefield, the two closest to the proposed casino - to join the growing chorus of opposition. That group includes the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce and the group of business leaders called Identity Clark County. All have either announced outright opposition to the casino or expressed a preference for an office-business park near La Center as an alternate revenue source for the Cowlitz tribe."

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In our view: 'No' Says Vancouver (The Columbian 5/9)