SALEM, Ore. — Whatever you think of the Portland Trail Blazers, you're no doubt accustomed to the name by now. But if one Oregon lawmaker gets his way, that name will be getting a slight tweak.
House Concurrent Resolution 15, introduced by state Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls), would recommend changing the name from Portland Trail Blazers to "Oregon Trail Blazers."
“I introduced HCR 15 to be all-encompassing statewide. This is Oregon’s team, not just Portland’s," Reschke said.
Trail Blazers owner and Microsoft-mogul Paul Allen died on October 15, and since then the ownership of the team has passed to his sister and the executor of his estate, Jody Allen. According to reporting from the Washington Post, the ultimate fate of the team remains uncertain.
As yet, the team's management has not issued any public response to Reschke's proposal. Typically a concurrent resolution, even if passed, lacks the force of a law — functioning more as a strong recommendation demonstrating the will of the legislature.
"First, it is historically more accurate — but most importantly, the name 'Oregon Trail Blazers' is more inclusive," Reschke said in a statement. "People throughout the state follow the Trail Blazers team, not just those in the Portland area. Changing the name to the Oregon Trail Blazers allows more Oregonians to embrace the team as their own. I look forward to this Resolution and the conversation that ensues.”