April 29, 2023 6:30 a.m.

In light of recent published admissions in Willamette Week that Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan has been working as a consultant for embattled cannabis dispensary chain La Mota, Oregon House and Senate Republican leaders called for her resignation on Friday.

A joint statement from Senate Leader Tim Knopp and House Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson said, “This appears to be an ethics violation and if it isn’t then Oregon’s ethics laws are broken. An elected official cannot take funds for personal use from someone they regulate”.

The release said the Secretary of State oversees audits for the State of Oregon. It said in no way could the top elected official ethically work a “side gig” for a company engaged in the industry in which the Secretary is responsible for auditing and regulating.

Breese-Iverson said, “We have been continually calling for overnight into the OLCC and this industry. And yet, another turn of government misuse is apparent today. Democracy will die in darkness if we don’t hold elected officials responsible”.

The House and Senate Republican Caucus’ along with the Senate Independent Caucus will hold their first Oversight and Accountability meeting on Thursday May 4th.