Medford, OR – Oregon Congresswoman Val Hoyle, who was sworn into her second term on Friday, has expressed a neutral position on the controversial proposal for a casino in Medford by the Coquille tribe. The tribe, which operates in Coos County, is seeking to establish a casino in Medford as part of its strategy for long-term financial stability. However, the proposal has sparked opposition from the Cow Creek tribe, based in Roseburg, due to concerns over the potential impact on its own 7 Feathers Casino in Canyonville.
Hoyle, who represents Oregon’s 4th district, which includes land for both the Coquille and Cow Creek tribes, has been careful not to take sides in the debate. “Four of the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon are in my district, so I’m neutral on that,” Hoyle told NBC5 News. “I have told the Coquille I will not come out in support of their casino.”
The issue of tribal casinos in Oregon is complicated by the fact that each tribe has its own interests and concerns. Hoyle emphasized that she believes in fairness and consistency when it comes to gaming policies for all tribes, which is part of what makes the issue so challenging. “I think we should have one rule for all the tribes,” she said.
Despite the complexities surrounding the casino issue, Hoyle remains focused on other priorities for her district. She expressed her commitment to addressing practical concerns that affect the lives of Oregonians in her jurisdiction, such as firefighter pay, job creation, and broader economic prosperity.
As her second term in Washington unfolds, Hoyle is continuing to balance the competing interests of the tribes in her district while working on policies that directly impact the everyday lives of her constituents.