EUGENE, Ore. — The Oregonian is calling for Gov. John Kitzhaber to resign.
This comes after the most recent allegations that Kitzhaber’s associates helped create jobs for the governor’s fiancee, Cylvia Hayes.
In that article it says Kitzhaber is “less a governor than a source of unending distraction” who can “no longer lead Oregon effectively and should resign.”
Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy worked with Kitzhaber while she served as a member of the legislature.
She says opinion is opinion.
Piercy says while the Oregonian’s editorial board has the right to express its views, she’s waiting until all the facts are revealed.
“I don’t have an opinion on it because I actually think that’s not my job to do that,” said Piercy.
An investigation has been launched into whether Kitzhaber’s staff created jobs for Hayes, paying her thousands of dollars and potentially giving her an advantage because she was the first lady.
Piercy says until those results are complete, it’s all speculation.
She says it’s a distraction from the work that needs to be done.
“We’ve been in a deep recession, and even before the recession there were many things that weren’t working well here. So he’s really been trying move us forward economically and for the future,” said Piercy.
Others in the community echo Piercy’s sentiment saying Kitzhaber has a strong track record.
“He’s a great governor and he’s doing marvelous things for Oregon. And if there’s a concern with his partner that’s a concern with his partner not with him,” said Sara Michener, Eugene resident.
“There’s an investigation that’s going on and I think it’s just real premature to make any kind of decisions at this point until the investigation is done,” said Bonnie Lindberg, Eugene resident.
An article that has the community talking, waiting for the results of an investigation on the heels a historic fourth term as governor.
Piercy also mentioned she thinks voters re-elected governor Kitzhaber because of his policies, not issues in his personal life.
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission is conducting a review of these allegations.
