In the wake of Shemia Fagan's resignation as Oregon's Secretary of State, a top watchdog in the state has come forward to defend the integrity of an audit examining its marijuana regulations. Records reveal that prior to her resignation, Fagan sought input from Rosa Cazares, co-owner of La Mota, regarding the planned audit months before she began moonlighting for the company.
The controversial audit called for Oregon marijuana regulators to ease rules in order to support industry growth and suggested that new leadership was needed within the agency. The pro-industry stance taken by the final audit came as a surprise to state regulators when it was released last week.
Gary Blackmer, who has spent decades serving as both an Oregon state and Multnomah County auditor, stated that despite initial concerns raised due to Fagan's connection with La Mota's co-owner, his review found no evidence suggesting any wrong-doings or bias in favor of specific interests thus far. He asserted that "the cannabis review appears to be above board."
Blackmer went on further explaining his assessment: "While it is unusual for a public official like Ms. Fagan seeking advice from someone involved directly with one side of this issue – especially given her later employment relationship – I have not found any indications so far suggesting undue influence or compromised objectivity."
Many experts continue monitoring developments surrounding this case closely while awaiting more details about potential conflicts arising due to these connections between public officials and stakeholders within regulated industries. However, as per Gary Blackmer's statement up until now there seems no substantial cause for concern over impartiality in this particular instance.