Transcript Ebora Ted 0

Analysis of Oregon’s Amusement
Ride Program
Ted Ebora – Executive Masters of Public Administration
Hatfield School of Government
June 15, 2013
Introduction
Rides – approximately 492 permits issued
annually.
Operators – approximately 70 amusement ride
operators every year.
Around the state – Newberg, St. Paul, Mollalla,
Portland, and Sandy Festivals
Wave Swinger
Permit Process
• Application
• Fee - $25
• Permit fee = ??
• Revenue = $12,300 (year)
Research
• State of Oregon regulations compared to
other states.
• Public perception survey on the state of
Oregon amusement ride program.
• Recommended alternative to the current
program.
Why is this important?
• Carnival worker killed underneath spinning
ride. Sept 2012 (New York)
• Ferris wheel bolt injures girl. May 2012
(Michigan)
• Woman injured in fall from fair ride.
November 2012 (Louisiana)
• State liability
(source: Ridesafety.com)
Reporting Requirements
Results - Safety
Knowing that amusement rides are regulated by the state of Oregon, how safe do you feel
getting on a carnival ride?
2.9%
8.2%
Very Safe
12.1%
Safe
Neutral
29.5%
47.3%
Not Safe
Not Very Safe
Results - Expectations
What are your expectations, as an Oregon resident, with rides regulated by the state of Oregon?
2.9%
All amusement rides are inspected by the
state for safety.
29.5%
Random inspections conducted by the state.
67.6%
All major inspections conducted by ride
operators themselves.
Results – Permit stickers
Visual view of a state of Oregon sticker on an amusement ride that shows the ride has an approved
permit with the state of Oregon will
27.5%
Increase my sense of safety about the ride.
72.5%
Will not change my feeling of safety.
Proposed Changes
• Expand the program.
• Fiscal Impact
• Eliminate the program from state
oversight.
• Fiscal Impact
Implementing
• Strategy – Proposed changes (2011
Legislative session)
• Process – Legislative session
Maintaining the status quo will not resolve the
disconnect between the public’s perception
regarding state regulation of amusement rides
and the actual level of oversight provided under
the Building Codes Division current program.
The agency will continue to collect a fee and
process paperwork that does not appear to
result in significant public safety protection.
Questions??