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The Columbia Development Authority board in eastern Oregon is considering rehiring state Rep. Greg Smith as executive director with a proposed salary of $294,000 annually, despite recent ethics violations that included securing an unauthorized $66,000 pay raise.

Smith, who has served in this role since 2014, has not repaid over $33,000 owed to the board, and the federal defense office has halted funding due to these issues. Public concern about his employment and compensation continues to rise as the board prepares to make a decision before the new year.