In an act that some are claiming demonstrates both the hypocrisy and the contempt she has for police, Tina Kotek has appointed Kristina Narayan as a health policy advisor. She is currently serving as Vice President of Public Policy at CareOregon, which according to it's website, helps more than 500,000 Oregonians access free physical, dental, mental health care and prescription drug coverage through the Oregon Health Plan.

Narayan is well known to Governor Kotek, having served as her Chief of Staff while Kotek was House Speaker, beginning in May of 2018. Her controversy began on November 6, 2020, Narayan was arrested for interfering with a peace officer, a class A misdemeanor.

At the time, then House Speaker Kotek issued a statement saying, “Every person -- including members of my staff -- has the right to stand up for what they believe and engage in nonviolent resistance,” she said. “Kristina’s experience is similar to what other Portlanders have experienced over the last few months. We need peace and accountability.”

Just three months after the arrest of Narayan then State Representative Mike Nearman (R-Independence) opened the Capitol doors to members of the public gathered outside during the 2020 Session. Kotek introduced legislation, HR 3, to have Nearman expelled from office -- the first lawmaker to be expelled in the 182 year history of Oregon.

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At the time, Representative Nearman described his act as an act of civil disobedience and an expensive State Police investigation resulted in his conviction of a Misdemeanor -- similar to Narayan's alleged crime.

Reached for comment at his home near Independence, Nearman said, "I'm proud to live in a country that was founded by men who, in 1773 dressed up as Indians, boarded merchant ships and tossed tea into Boston Harbor. Governor Kotek supports nonviolent resistance, but only when done by her friends."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-08-26 19:42:13

Last Update: 2023-09-16 16:27:22