SALEM, Ore. (KOIN) — In her first wide-ranging interview with broadcast media since she became governor, Kate Brown said this legislative session was a success — and wouldn’t say if she will sign a bill allowing retail pot sales on October 1.
Brown became governor when John Kitzhaber resigned Feb. 18. She ascended to the position from her elected role as secretary of state and promised to restore the people’s faith in state government.
Asked if she was ready to take over as governor, Brown said, “Definitely.”
The governor’s initiatives included strengthening the ethics commission and requiring an audit of public records. On Monday, she signed a number of bills approved by the legislature, including increasing voter registration, banning racial profiling and requiring paid sick leave.
The legislature also passed the largest K-12 education budget ever and nearly fully funded higher education.
But the legislature failed to come up with a much-needed transportation package. After Gov. Brown signed clean fuels legislation Republicans cried foul, as documents associated with Senate Bill 324 were subpoenaed as part of the Kitzhaber-Hayes ethics investigation.
Asked if she regretted signing that bill, Brown said, “I signed Senate Bill 324, which had been the work of many people. The bill is called ‘clean fuels.’ What it really means is clean air for Oregonians, and I think that’s a good thing.”
The governor told KOIN 6 News transportation and clean fuels should be looked at as separate issues. That appears to be up to the next legislative session.
But Brown did not say which way she is leaning on the issue of retail marijuana sales beginning October 1.
“That legislation is still on my desk,” she said. If she doesn’t sign it, retail sales would not be allowed until January.
Kate Brown must again for office next year to complete Kitzhaber’s term. Asked if she plans to run again after that, she said her emphasis now is on governing.