11:05 PM PDT on Thursday, May 6, 2004

Compiled by kgw.com Staff

Reaction to Neil Goldschmidt's resignations from the Ore. Board of Higher Education and the Oregon Electric Utility Company, prior to his admission of a sexual affair with a teenage girl:

"In April Governor Neil Goldschmidt submitted his resignation as a member of the Oregon Board of Higher Education for health reasons. His health is his priority right now and I think that he has made the right decision. We owe him a great debt for his service. He and the other board members are already making a difference on behalf of Oregon's current and future students. Governor Goldschmidt should take whatever time is necessary for a full recovery. We have an exceptional board in place."

-- Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski

"We are deeply concerned about Governor Goldschmidt’s health condition; from a personal and family standpoint, he has undoubtedly made a prudent decision. Over the last six months, his energy and leadership have brought higher education to the forefront of public attention. He has articulated the critical importance of a first-rate system of higher education to our state’s future and has worked to enhance the ability of our universities to operate more effectively and to be given the tools to succeed. We hope his voice will continue to be heard even without his official role. On a personal note, our professional and personal friendship extends over more than 30 years, and I have enjoyed the many opportunities we have had to work together closely."

-- UO President Dave Frohnmayer

"I was saddened to learn of Neil Goldschmidt's announcement that he will resign from the Oregon Board of Higher Education and the Oregon Electric Utility Company for health reasons. While his resignation has obvious implications in some key public policy areas, that should not be anyone's prime concern today. Our focus should be on wishing Neil success in having these health problems successfully treated. Neil is a good and close friend. I valued his encouragement during my own bout with cancer four years ago. Neil needs similar support. My prayers are with him and his family."

-- Portland Mayor Vera Katz

"Today, Neil Goldschmidt has announced his resignation from Oregon Electric Utility, LLC, the company set up by Texas Pacific Group (TPG) to acquire Portland General Electric Co. (PGE). I am sorry that Mr. Goldschmidt's health concerns will limit his activities. I do not believe that his resignation reduces the prospects for the TPG deal for PGE. In fact, it may make approval of the deal easier, because it removes a potential cloud--the conflict of interest of having Diana Goldschmidt vote (at least twice) to place extra Oregon PERS funds into the deal (through TPG funds and through Oaktree Capital Management) at the same time that Neil Goldschmidt was offered the chairmanship and effective control over PGE. I look forward to learning whom TPG will select as the new chairman of Oregon Electric Utility, LLC."

-- Attorney Daniel Meek, Utility Reform Project