Metro may ask to end gun shows at the Expo
A staff member tells the recreation commission of crimes at seven gun shows

Thursday, January 20, 2000

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By Roger Anthony of The Oregonian staff

A policy adviser for Metro Executive Mike Burton told the Metropolitan Exposition-Recreation Commission on Wednesday that Metro might request that permits be denied gun shows at the Portland Expo Center.

Pete Sandrock presented the commission with a report outlining instances of criminal activity reported by the Portland Police Bureau at seven gun shows presented by Rose City Promotions Inc. in 1999.

He outlined some steps the promoter had agreed to take to improve security at the shows but added, “We appreciate the steps, but are not convinced they will be effective.”

The recreation commission charges Rose City Promotions $16,450 for each three-day show, meaning that the shows bring in more than $110,000 in rent annually. Tables are rented to dealers for between $45 and $55, and shows will have from 1,000 to 1,400 tables.

“The February show will be scrutinized heavily,” Sandrock said. “We may have to ask the Police Bureau to increase its presence. We know the status quo isn’t adequate.”

Sandrock said the promoters had agreed to chain the guns on display together in order to prevent thefts and ask patrons to submit to voluntary background checks.

“But background checks don’t prevent ‘straw man’ purchases,” he said, referring to gun purchases made by acquaintances of people with criminal records. “In addition, background checks don’t address sales of ammunition and related paraphernalia.”

Sandrock said the Police Bureau usually assigns eight officers and a sergeant to the gun shows at a cost to taxpayers of $6,000 to $10,000 a show.

The commission took no action on Sandrock’s report.

In other business:

? The commission approved the selection of Portland’s Barney & Worth Inc. as the consultant for a Expo Center master plan. Among other things, the plan will contemplate the feasibility of building a 5,000-seat concert facility on Expo Center property. The consulting contract is valued at slightly less than $50,000.

? The commission also approved the selection of the Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership as architects for the Oregon Convention Center expansion project. Value of the contract was capped at $6.4 million.

? The commission approved concession-price increases at the Oregon Convention Center, increasing prices on 14 of 32 menu items. Coffee, espresso and latte prices were for the most part unaffected, while salad and beer prices increased by as much as 11 percent.

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You can reach Roger Anthony at 503-221-8430 or [email protected]