People Against a Casino Town
News from PACT
PACT Information meeting December 11, 2003

 
NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2003

PACT INFORMATION MEETING
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2003


People Against a Casino Town (PACT), a grassroots group opposing a casino in Florence, is holding an informational meeting at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 11 at the Florence Events Center.  The public is invited.

"We want to update the community on the next steps to be taken in our efforts to enforce Oregon's constitutional prohibition against casinos," said PACT spokesperson Susie Dewberry. "A member of our legal team will discuss the status of our lawsuit against Governor Kulongoski."

Two weeks ago, the Oregon Supreme Court declined to hear PACT's constitutional challenges. "In going directly to Oregon's highest court, we had hoped to save judicial time and effort, but the Supreme Court apparently prefers the longer road be taken. So, we will re-file the lawsuit in Lane County Circuit Court," Dewberry said.

"Federal law requires that the state and the tribe enter into a compact before a casino can open its doors. In proceeding with a compact, Governor Kulongoski has chosen to ignore the State Constitution's provision against casinos - as well as the legitimate concerns of Florence-area residents," Dewberry said.

In response to the tribe's planned ground breaking ceremony scheduled for December 8, Ms. Dewberry said, "The tribe would have support from the entire community if it built the cultural and historical center they promised the city, the county and the federal government when they applied  for trust status for the Hatch Tract. But the tribe deceived us.  Because of that deception, the Florence community was denied the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process. Consequently, while we wish the tribe the best in its efforts to develop its property responsibly, we will continue to oppose a casino," said Dewberry.

Contributions can be made to:
People Against a Casino Town
P.O. Box 978
Florence, Oregon 97439
 


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