Oregon State Sen. Bill Hansell dropped by Hermiston this week to give the city council a brief recap of the short legislative session earlier this year and to offer thanks to a couple of longtime Hermiston public servants.
During a brief report to the council on Monday, Hansell said the most significant bill he was involved with during the short session was a bill to give local control to cities and counties regarding the regulation of medical marijuana dispensaries.
“It allowed cities and counties to decide whether or not they even wanted them and, if they did, how they could regulate them,” he said. Local governments throughout Eastern Oregon have either banned or placed temporary moratoriums on medical marijuana dispensaries, including Hermiston, Umatilla, Boardman and Umatilla County.
“Even today, it’s one of the most unregulated areas of concern,” said Hansell. “The other thing we were able to get was a prohibition on putting marijuana into candy and stuff that would be attractive to children.”
Hansell also thanked Councilor Frank Harkenrider and City Manager Ed Brookshier for their years of service. Brookshier is stepping down next month after nearly 23 years on the job, and Harkenrider is serving his final term as city councilor. Harkenrider was also mayor of Hermiston during the 1990s.
“Some of you may not know this, but in 1982, when I first ran for Umatilla County commissioner, Frank and I ended up on the ballot together in opposition and he’s been a strong supporter and friend and great public servant,” Hansell said.
“I’m glad you won, Bill,” said Harkenrider.
Hansell also thanked Brookshier for his work over the years as city manager of Hermiston.
“It was a pleasure to work with Ed on issues over the year,” he said. “We didn’t always see eye to eye on every issue, but Ed’s always had respect and heart for this community and was always looking out for the people of Hermiston.”
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