Cowlitz Tribe's proposed casino keeps lobbyists busy

Monday, June 2, 2008  

The prospect of the Cowlitz Tribe winning approval for a casino in Clark County, Washington, has kept three lobbyists busy over the past year.

One lobbyist, John Bockmier, represents non-Indian card clubs that say they will be hurt by the casino. The other two, Ann Rivers and Joe King, work for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde in Oregon, who say their Spirit Mountain Casino will be affected.

According to The Columbian, the trio met with county commissioners at least 53 times in the past year. Commissioners eventually spoke out against the casino.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is now moving to approve the Cowlitz Casino Resort. A final environmental impact statement was published in the Federal Register last week.

Get the Story:
Effort to thwart casino near La Center keeps lobbyists busy (The Columbian 6/1)