This is a list put together by Jim Pasero at Third Century Solutions of the 12 most jaw dropping things former Governor John Kitzhaber did during his tenure as Oregon’s chief executive. Note: When it counted he ran away.When the state needed leadership he ran away. When he needed to stand up for what’s right he ran. He conducted himself like a self involved, petulant child.
1) Faked heart attack when state was flooded in 1996 and Vera was filling sandbags2) Said health care should have been reformed on state level rather than federal after being feted regularly by “The Economist” for medical rationing3) Vetoed Secondary Lands bill in Washington Park in 1995. Governor threw tantrum in front of WW II veterans and stormed off – later told press he doesn’t “do public” well4) Rip-rapped his own Neskowin beach house when others couldn’t protect their homes5) Built on his 10 acres on Umpqua River when land was zoned Exclusive Forest use6) Vetoed a record 100 bills in 1997 Oregon legislature7) Refused to do interviews with media other than liberal media – even though he said he changed for this latest campaign — really?8) Fleeing scene of Biscuit Fire five minutes before President Bush arrives, and leaving Sen. Wyden alone and furious9) Unable to get along with legislative leaders – including Secretary of State of his own party, Phil Keisling10) Refused to attend National Governors Association meetings, which at the time included innovative governors such as Jeb Bush, Tommy Thompson, John Engler, Bill Weld. Why? Because Kitzhaber already had the answers11) Went fishing after 9/11 for a week when country was in crisis
12) Wanted to tear down dams on Snake River and freaked out then-Washington Gov. Gary Locke
Third Century Solutions
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