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Rules committee sends resolution honoring former Secretary of State Dennis Richardson to House floor
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 9, honoring the life and service of former Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Michael Richardson, was advanced out of the House Committee on Rules Feb. 24, 2025, after testimony from colleagues, former staff and agency officials.
The Oregon House Committee on Rules voted Feb. 24, 2025, to send House Concurrent Resolution 9 to the House floor with a recommendation to adopt. HCR 9 honors the life and public service of Dennis Michael Richardson, who served as Oregon secretary of state and as a member of the Oregon House.
Multiple former colleagues and agency officials testified in support. State Representative Christine Drazen opened the public hearing and described Richardson as "a statesman, a patriot, a public servant, and a devoted husband and father," noting his military service as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam and his later service in the Oregon Legislature and as secretary of state. Drazen told the committee Richardson ‘‘approached his role with nonpartisanship and fairness.’’
Representative Bobby Levy, who testified in support, said Richardson "was more than a public servant" and praised his integrity, leadership and approach to governance. Dr. Leslie Cummings, who identified herself as deputy secretary from January 2017 until Richardson’s passing in 2019, described agency accomplishments under his leadership, including work on audits, records management, elections and programs intended to increase accountability and reduce waste.
Witnesses and lawmakers recounted Richardson's role in budget and legislative negotiations and his work on veterans’ issues and community projects. They also cited his faith and family as central to his public life. Testimony repeatedly characterized Richardson as a leader who fostered collaboration across partisan lines and emphasized ethics and accountability.
After testimony, the committee closed the public hearing, opened a work session, and approved a motion to recommend HCR 9 to the House floor. The clerk recorded a roll call with the committee voting to send the resolution to the floor; Chair Bowman was recorded as excused. The committee recorded a B (adopted) recommendation and the measure will proceed to the House for consideration.
