Loren Parks Enters Clackamas County Light Rail Battle

Opponents of the pending Milwaukie-to-Portland MAX light rail extension have received a big boost with a $15,000 check from reclusive medical-products tycoon Loren Parks.

Opponents turned in nearly 12,000 signatures this week in an effort to give Clackamas County citizens the right to vote on whether the county should contribute $25 million toward the project's $1.5 billion cost. County commissioners previously voted to do so but light rail opponents disagree with that decision.

Parks, who has previously contributed millions to various conservative causes, offers a possible counterbalance to the deep-pocketed forces who favor light rail. Construction companies, trade unions, engineering firms and many others stand to benefit from the project, but there is no concentrated financial interest opposed to construction.