Former Oregon Gov. Neil Goldschmidt has led a political career rivaled by few Oregon politicians. His accomplishments are numerous, and his dedication to the public’s interest over his lifetime has been commendable.
But, unfortunately, his record came crashing down on top of him when he resigned from his two public and private posts — chairman of the State Board of Higher Education and chairman of the Oregon Electric Utility Company — amid the revelation that he had sex with a 14-year-old girl while he was the mayor of Portland nearly 30 years ago. He was 35 years old at the time.
Such an indiscretion can’t be forgiven with a mere apology and relinquishment of his offices. The girl with whom he had sex has since suffered severe emotional trauma and had problems with drugs and alcohol, according to several media reports. Furthermore, the girl had been molested by her grandfather for years before he died — and then Goldschmidt came along, the girl’s cousin told The Register-Guard.
In a time when the girl should have been healing and seeking to alleviate the pain of the crime against her, another man came along to once again take advantage of her.
Still, disgusting as the act was, it’s important to acknowledge Goldschmidt’s service to this state rather than automatically dismiss it in light of his private indiscretions.
In his political life, Goldschmidt, a University graduate, began as a Portland city commissioner in 1971. In 1972, he became the youngest mayor of Portland at age 32. From 1987 to 1991, Goldschmidt served as Oregon governor. Goldschmidt also served as transportation secretary under the Carter administration and was an executive for Nike during his career. Before throwing his hat in the political ring, Goldschmidt used his law degree to aid the public as a legal aid attorney from 1967 to 1969.
Conversely, in his personal life, Goldschmidt has a reported history of infidelity. Were Goldschmidt to be tried for his sexual crime in 1975, the charge would have been third-degree rape. The perversity of his actions and his subsequent attempts to cover it up have dishonored him in the worst possible way.
But are his political accomplishments materially diminished by his private actions? No.
Goldschmidt is living in shame for what he has done and has resigned in disgrace from his political positions. He’s paid monetary compensation to the girl — now a grown woman — and continues to face his own demons, as he has indicated to the media. If the public wishes to crucify him, which it inevitably will, we hope it will keep in mind his immense contributions to the public good and separate them from the indiscretions of his private life.
Goldschmidt’s private woes won’t diminish public success
Daily Emerald
May 11, 2004
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