Panel: Oregon Gov candidate didn't create hostile workplace
The conduct committee of the Oregon House has determined that Democratic candidate for governor Tina Kotek did not create a hostile work environment for a lawmaker when she was House speaker
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Democratic candidate for governor Tina Kotek did not create a hostile work environment for a lawmaker when she was House speaker, the Oregon House Conduct Committee determined Monday after voting mostly along party lines.
The committee members, two Democrats and two Republicans, decided that some of Kotek's behavior toward former Rep. Diego Hernandez was “unwelcome," such as when she raised her voice at him as they argued over support for bills.
But a motion to characterize Kotek's behavior as “severe or pervasive” failed, with the two Republicans voting yes and both Democrats saying no. A motion needs a majority of votes to pass.
Hernandez, a Democrat, told the committee in an earlier remote hearing on Oct. 19 that he was bullied by Kotek to the point that he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.
