Bob Smith interview on Atiyeh

Title

Bob Smith interview on Atiyeh

Description

An interview of Robert Freeman Smith (1931-2020), usually known as Bob Smith, regarding Oregon's Governor Victor Atiyeh. The interview was recorded on Apr. 29, 2015. Smith served as a Republican in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1961-1973, including as Speaker of the House in 1969 and 1971. He then served in the Oregon State Senate from 1973-1983, and then as a Representative in the U.S. Congress from 1983-1995 and 1997-1999. The interviewer, James Moore, was as professor of political science at Pacific University and was Atiyeh's biographer.

The interview includes discussion of: humorous anecdotes regarding the spelling of Atiyeh’s name versus the ubiquity of the name Smith; Atiyeh’s dual identity as a well-respected businessman and a balanced politician; the legislative dynamics between the Oregon House and Senate, specifically the role of the Senate Republican Caucus in influencing policy; the 1979 legislative session during a period of peak tax revenue and the subsequent negotiations surrounding the creation of the "kicker" as a fiscal alternative to a balanced budget amendment; the economic turmoil of the early 1980s triggered by rising interest rates and the resulting 1982 special sessions; Bob Smith’s transition to Congress and his reflections on Atiyeh’s reputation as a steady, experienced leader during difficult economic times; the contrast between the bipartisan atmosphere of the Oregon Legislature and the increasing partisanship in later years; the Columbia Gorge scenic area legislation and its perceived negative impact on private enterprise and land management; the decline of the Oregon timber industry and the spotted owl controversy; the state’s lack of control over national forest land; Atiyeh’s relationship with tribal nations, particularly his deep connection to the Warm Springs tribe; Atiyeh’s pride in his Syrian heritage; and his stance on Israel during the National Republican Convention.

This recording is accompanied by a transcript.

Identifier

PUA_MS161_057

Date Created

Apr 29, 2015

Creator

Smith, Bob, 1931-2020

Subject

Atiyeh, Victor

Smith, Bob, 1931-2020

Oregon--Politics and government

Economic policy--Oregon

Taxation--Oregon

International trade

Environmental policy

Timber--Oregon

Extent

1 audio file (25 min.)

Date

2015

Contributor

Moore, James

Format

MP3

Spatial Coverage

Oregon

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Other Media

PUA_MS161_057.mp3