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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Wall first solo Bassmasters winner ... Medford City Council hears objections to tiny house village for homeless ... Diana Ross, Hollywood Vampires highlight Britt season ... Wall first solo Bassmasters winner ... Medford City Council hears objections to tiny house village for homeless ... Diana Ross, Hollywood Vampires highlight Britt season ... INTERVIEW Former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber says he's looking for work Kitzhaber says he's confident investigations against him and fiancee will be dropped Comment By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Mar. 18, 2016 at 8:44 PM By The Associated Press Posted Mar. 18, 2016 at 8:44 PM » Social News PORTLAND — Former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber has given his first extensive interview since resigning 13 months ago, telling Oregon Public Broadcasting that he's confident he'll be cleared of any wrongdoing and is looking for work. Kitzhaber, 69, surrendered to political pressure and quit over allegations his fiancee, Cylvia Hayes, used their relationship to win contracts for her consulting business. Federal agents launched an investigation, but no charges have been filed. "It's been a tough year; it's been a painful year," he told OPB. "I've obviously struggled with a feeling that I let down people who elected me and (that) certainly was not my intention "But I think the biggest lesson for me over the last year is that I'm just not going to let adversity dampen my commitment to these ideas that have motivated me for so long." To that end, he's stepping back into the public eye. Though he won't run for office again, Kitzhaber said he's starting a Facebook page that will give him an opportunity to discuss public issues and he's looking for work, likely as a consultant. "I've just got to the point where I don't want my career or want my reputation to be defined by this narrative that grew out of the last months of my administration," Kitzhaber said during the interview at a Portland coffee shop. Kitzhaber wouldn't discuss specifics of the investigation against him or the one against Hayes, except to say he believes they will be cleared. The former governor said he and Hayes are still engaged, but haven't set a wedding date: "We're obviously hoping to get past, obviously, the investigation." He only spoke briefly about his successor, former Secretary of State Kate Brown. Her comments about Kitzhaber's state of mind in his last days of office were widely seen as adding pressure on him to resign. "I think she's obviously had a steep learning curve," he said, "and I'm certainly not going to comment on her job performance." By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Mar. 18, 2016 at 8:44 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501