Play Meter

N EWS BULLETIN According to David Jackson of Pachinko Palace, the president of AAC, the association has gotten operators and their locations to write letters to their respective supervisors. Such heavyweight locations as Chuck E. Cheese and 7-Eleven (Southland Corporation) have lent their support in the letter-writing campaign, pointing out that they too would lose revenue if coin- was president of the old Seeburg and most recently was a consultant to the new Seeburg. He is survived by his wife Muriel, two daughters, and one son. Private services were held at El Camino Memorial Park in San Diego on Feb. 23. Plush company folds ... Mardi Gras Plush Inc., based in Metairie, La., has apparently gone out of business. Their telephone has been disconnected, and numerous plush "We have a committee composed of Greg Stephens (Games suppliers have complain ed that the company owes them money. Unlimited), Dale Moore (L.A. Games), Jerry Monday (Nintendo), and myself that will meet with each individual supervisor, show Double the fees ... Another item from the "look what snuck him the letters, and find out what action is then going to be by" file: A bill that passed through both houses of the Oregon taken," Jackson said. "We don't expect the board to abolish Legislatu re in July 1989 just came to the attention of operators the fees entirely. We'd just like to have them rolled back to a there in early February. It seems that during the last few days reasonable level. As it stands now, the tax would put most of of the session, language was tacked on to the bill that doubled us out of business. Setting a location is a high-risk proposition the tax on videos and pins, raising the fee per machine from with these fees. A typical bar location would cost at least $2,000 $50 to $100. Jukeboxes and kiddie rides went from $25 to $50. in fees. That's way out of line." op games were taken out. The proceeds from the fee hike are earmarked for an organization called the Oregon Youth Conservation Corps. It based on a recommendation by county auditor-controller Mark used to receive money simply from public donations, but Gov. Bloodgood. "So far, he's been unsympathetic; he feels all Neil Goldsch midt reasoned that Oregon operators would gladly businesses were taxed across-the-board, evenly and fairly," pay more fees to show their gratitude toward their primary gameJackson said. "Some of the letters we've sent to the supervisors playing audience. have crossed his desk. He's aware of our arguments as to why the increase would damage us. We hope to persuade him." "It's crazy; our average game income is between $8 and $20," said Eric Mahaffy of Easily Amused in Springfield, Ore. "This Jackson added that two of the supervisors are amenable to would be a big percenta of our routes. Game operators in changing the fee hike for coin-op games. One member voted Oregon can't absorb thisgekind of tax." against it the first time, and the other wasn't present. Only one of the remaining three supervisors needs to change his vote; Mahaffy is organizing a group of game operators "to try to get a simple majority is all that's required. But, again, politics enter the governor to realize this injustice. " The goal is to launch a into things. Bloodgood must reverse his recommendation to letter-writing campaig n to legislators, asking them to consider the board, for all intents and purposes, because it's rare that special legislation to roll back the tax to where it was. This would the body acts contrary to the auditor-controller's wishes. have to happen before taxes become due in mid-year. Welcome I. VICS ... There's a new kit company in the coin- Operators interested in organizin op amusement industry. I. VICS Inc., based in Santa Clara, contact Mahaffy at 3136 Partridge g and joining the fight can Way, Springfield, OR 97477; Calif., is headed up by president Ken Boyce. He has many years (503) 726-6858. of experience in international business and marketing, resulting in numerous close ties with Japanese software companies. Half Century meeting ... To all Half Century Club members Leroy Hancuff is the director of sales. He has a 10-year (50 years or more in the industry): there will be a meeting at background in the distributing network. ACME on Friday, March 9, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. It will be held in the Williams' suite. Those non-members interested in joining I. VICS will be licensing directly from software companies in should attend to find out more about the club. Japan. However, a dedicated option will be offered to those who desire their games in cabinets. Pinball tournament . Representatives of the Pinball Expo/Flip Out Pinball Tournament will be in the Data East booth "Our goal is to provide quality kits to distributors at very at ACME to promote this year's event. Data East will host a tour competitive prices," Hancuff said. "We will be concentrating through its facility at the next show. Show organizer Rob Berk our efforts on coin-op, not the consumer market. I'm excited and exhibits chairman Mike Pacak will be on-hand to answer about our future in the industry." questions and hand out information packets. The current Flip champion, David Hegge will also be challenging players. The company will be showing the kit Meta Fox, an aircraft Out Pinball Expo '90 is set for Nov. 9-10 at the Ramada Hotel/O'Hare combat game, at ACME booth #2214. For more information, in Rosemont, III. Call (800) 321-2722 or (216) 369-1192 for more contact I. VICS Inc., 1900 Wyatt Drive, Suite 3, Santa Clara, information. CA 95054; (408) 492-1296; (408) 492-1299. Contest winner ... Gordon dies ... Jack Gordon, a prominent figure in the coin- City, Ala., won a new John Abbott of Abbott Vending in Pell 1990 Ford Mustang convertible in a op industry for many years, passed away on Feb. 18. He had promotion for Rowe vending and jukebox by Birmingham a heart attack at home and was rushed to the hospital. However, Vending. Any operator he suffered another heart attack, which proved fatal. Gordon 1989 was eligible for who bought any Rowe product during the drawing. Congratulations, John! Three of the board members voted to increase the license fees, PLAY METER, March 1990. Volume 16, No. 4. Copyright 1990 by Skybird Publishing Company. METER (ISSN 0162-1343)(UPS 358-350) is published monthly on the 1st of the month, except for the two issues in January. Publishing office: 6600 Fleur de Lis, New Orleans, LA 70124.PLAY MAILING FAX 504/488-7083. For subscriptions: 504/488-7003. Subscription rates: U.S. and Canada-$50. Advertising ADDRESS: P.O. 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