Smith says motion to censure was a mistake

By Terry Murry on Thursday, September 30th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

HEPPNER – The Oregon Legislature’s redistricting special session is over, and Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) is confident that the lines drawn for a new congressional district will be overturned following what he considers is a guaranteed challenge in the courts.

Republicans were furious with what they believe was clearly gerrymandering, but Smith said he was shocked when Republican Minority Leader Rep. Christine Drazan of Canby moved to censure Speaker of the House Tina Kotek. He had already been excused when that occurred.

“I’ve been around the Legislature long enough to know when you poke someone in the eye, you probably don’t want to have your hand out later on asking them for something,” Smith said.

The Republican from Heppner said he works hard not to let his emotions get the best of him, because he’s representing the people of District 57, not just himself.

“We do our work based on relationships,” he said. “I’m just not in the business of burning bridges unnecessarily, and for a lot of members in the Legislature that’s what they did at the end of redistricting and that’s unfortunate.”