SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan introduced her resignation on Tuesday amid sharp criticism from each Republicans and Democrats for having moonlighted as a highly-paid advisor to a marijuana enterprise.
Fagan, a Democrat, apologized on Monday for working for the marijuana firm, which has a file of unpaid payments and taxes, however indicated she meant to serve the remaining two years of her time period. making the scenario worse: Fagan labored for 2 months as a paid advisor for an affiliate of the corporate, La Mota, whereas her workplace was wrapping up an audit of Oregon’s pot regulator, the Oregon Liquor and Hashish Fee.
Fagan mentioned she recused herself from the audit, nevertheless it was an excessive amount of for politicians throughout the political spectrum to swallow. Republicans demanded she resign.
Fagan’s consulting job paid $10,000 per thirty days, with bonuses thrice that quantity if she helped the corporate get licensed in different states. She introduced on Monday that she give up that job, and on Tuesday bowed to stress to depart her elected workplace too.
“It’s clear that my actions have develop into a distraction from the essential and important work of the Secretary of State’s workplace,” Fagan mentioned.
Gov. Tina Kotek, additionally a Democrat, mentioned she supported Fagan’s resolution.
“It’s important that Oregonians have belief of their authorities. I imagine this can be a first step in restoring that belief,” Kotek mentioned.
Democratic leaders within the Legislature, the place Fagan had served earlier than being elected in 2020 to the state’s second-highest workplace, issued a joint assertion minutes after Fagan introduced her resignation, saying she wanted to go.
“Secretary of State Fagan’s extreme lapses of judgment eroded belief with the individuals of Oregon, together with legislators who rely on the work of the Audits Division for important info on public coverage,” mentioned Home Speaker Dan Rayfield, Senate President Rob Wagner, Home Majority Chief Julie Fahey and Senate Majority Chief Kate Lieber.
“This breach of belief grew to become too extensive for her to bridge. Her resolution to resign will enable the state to maneuver on and rebuild belief,” they mentioned.
In a digital press convention Monday, Fagan apologized for taking the surface job and attributed it to “poor judgment.”
