Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan resigned Tuesday after it came to light that she had taken a side job consulting for an embattled cannabis company at a time when her office was auditing the state’s marijuana program.
In a statement, Fagan referenced an ethics investigation already underway into her contract with an affiliate of the troubled cannabis dispensary chain La Mota. “I support this decision,” Kotek said. “It is essential that Oregonians have trust in their government. I believe this is a first step in restoring that trust. During the upcoming appointment process, my office will do everything possible to support the hard-working staff in the Secretary of State’s office and ensure this will not disrupt the May 16 election.”
“I appreciate that has recognized the mistake,” said former Secretary of State Jeanne Atkins, who like Fagan is a Democrat. However, Atkins said that “the damage to the office and the public perception particularly at this moment in history is very concerning.”