After Governor Atiyeh left office, the Oregon Historical Society undertook an extensive oral history interview to document his memories. Originally recorded on over 60 cassette tapes, it is presented here in digital audio format, accompanied by typed transcripts.
Published with permission of the Oregon Historical Society's Davies Family Research Library, from Collection SR 1135. Descriptions by Pacific University student intern Michael Summers.
| Recording | Description |
| Oral History, Tape 1, Side 1 | How Atiyeh was named; the Atiyeh family's history and their immigration from Syria 1900-1920; growing up as a Syrian-American in Portland; his early childhood in the 1920s. |
| Oral History, Tape 1, Side 2 | His early childhood; elementary school; visiting Syria with his family at age six, late 1920s; working as a newspaper boy; working part-time at a department store; how his family experienced the Great Depression; the Atiyeh Bros. family carpet business; Portland in the 1930s. |
| Oral History, Tape 2, Side 1 | Attending Washington High School in Portland late 1930s; playing football and other sports; being recruited by the Green Bay Packers; meeting his wife Dolores in high school; his early perceptions of racial inequality; the moment he heard about the bombing of Pearl Harbor; the beginning of World War II; trying to volunteer for the military but being discharged for an injury; attending college at the University of Oregon early 1940s. |
| Oral History, Tape 2, Side 2 | Choosing a college and a major; his academic life at University of Oregon early 1940s; fraternity life under Phi Gamma Delta; political thoughts during time at University of Oregon; his twin brothers Edward and Richard in World War II and POW camps; experience working in the Coast Guard Temporary Reserve. |
| Oral History, Tape 3, Side 1 | Background on relationship with Dolores; marriage and honeymoon with Dolores; family cabin on Mount Hood; his service as a scoutmaster; Sea Scouts and Boy Scouts; early married life 1940s to 1950s; activity in Trinity Episcopal Church; Dolores volunteers; Atiyeh Bros. carpet business. |
| Oral History, Tape 3, Side 2 | Activity in Portland Executive Association and Trumpeters; Oregon Arms Collectors and Gun Collection; Multnomah Muzzleloading Rifle Club; gun control; personal gun collection; early activity in Republican Party; running for the Legislature late 1950s. |
| Oral History, Tape 4, Side 1 | First campaign for Oregon House of Representatives; first impressions of getting elected late 1950s; early time as Representative late 1950s. |
| Oral History, Tape 4, Side 2 | Early time as Representative late 1950s; relationships with notable members of Oregon Legislature: Bob Duncan, Monty Montgomery, Stafford Hansel, Gracie Peek, Al Flegal, George Van Hoomissen, Ed Whelan, Tom Mahoney, Keith Skelton, Tom Mahoney, Jake Bennett; Joint Caucus early-mid 1960s; Relationship with Walter Pearson late 1950s. |
| Oral History, Tape 5, Side 1 | Relationship with Governor Mark Hatfield; relationships with administrators and other government officials; issue of taxation late 1950s-mid 1980s (note: the start of Tape 5, side 2 is presented at the end of this side). |
| Oral History, Tape 5, Side 2 | Agriculture while representing Washington County 1959; predicting economic conditions in the Legislature; House Bill 14, timber tax, 1959-1961; experiences of first term in legislature 1959-1960; reelection of 1960. |
| Oral History, Tape 6, Side 1 | Activity on Subcommittee on Food and Dairy, 1961; Rules and Resolution Committee, 1961; impressions of coworkers: Sid Leiken, Ed Fadeley; most effective Chairman and Speaker of the House; overall relationship with fellow representatives from 1961-1965; thoughts on Governor appearing before the legislature; reapportionment, early 1960s; bridge at Astoria. |
| Oral History, Tape 6, Side 2 | Bridge at Astoria, early 1960s; Atiyeh's political and personal principles; Republican Party politics, early 1990s; voting in the legislature; legislative story about Betty Roberts; rites of initiation in the legislature; community colleges 1959-1961; startup of Boardman Industrial Park, early 1960s. |
| Oral History, Tape 7, Side 1 | Oil exploration; learning the process in early legislative sessions; 1962 House of Representatives election; House Bill 14: Balloon Bread, early 1960s; State of Oregon constitution; state of Oregon Chamber of Commerce, early 1960s; defeat of Department of Natural Resources, early 1960s; agencies handling of natural resources; three-way workers compensation legislative battle, 1963; labor bills, early 1960s; capital punishment; Legislative Council Committee, early 1960s. |
| Oral History, Tape 7, Side 2 | Impressions of Jim Redden, 1959-64; principal Democratic and Republican leaders in House of Representatives, 1959-1964; geo-political views in Oregon; relationship with adversaries and allies on issues throughout years in politics; how Atiyeh maintained relationships with people who had ideologically different views; socializing with legislators at Chuck's Steak House, 1959-64; social events with legislators: Sine Dei Party and Timber Parties, 1959-1964; impressions of Dick Hoyt and Wally Priestly, 1959-1964; party loyalty in Oregon politics. |
| Oral History, Tape 8, Side 1 | Making the decision to switch from the House to Senate; primary and general Senate elections in 1964; difference between serving in the House and Senate; committee assignments, Senate 1965; impressions of fellow Senators: Alf Corbett, Ted Hallock, Don Husband, Tony Yturri; reductions of capital gains and business inventory tax, 1965; impressions of fellow Senators: Eddie Ahrens, R.F Chapman, Don Willner, Tom Monaghan; workers compensation bill, 1965. |
| Oral History, Tape 8, Side 2 | Walter Pearson and the “old boys club” of the Senate; impressions of Walter Leth; voting against the coalition, mid 1960s; coalition politics, mid 1960s; activity on education committee, mid 1960s; fight to repeal 1913 railroad labor law; legislation for compulsory breath tests drinking and driving; thoughts on lawyers in Oregon legislature; gerrymandering political voting districts; political parties becoming ideologically defined, state and nation; environmental legislation, 1965 session. |
| Oral History, Tape 9, Side 1 | Connection to the Goldwater ticket, 1964; 1966 Senate composition; 1966 leadership of the legislature; impressions of Tom McCall's executive branch, 1966; Interim Committee on Public Heath: air and water quality, 1967; rewrite of the Air Quality Law, 1967; Tom McCall and Bob Straub on environmental legislation; bills that failed in the legislature 1967: teacher tenure law and control of speakers on campuses; scenic rivers proposal, 1967; single member districts proposal, 1967; limits on campaign spending. |
| Oral History, Tape 9, Side 2 | Activity on Education and Taxation Committee's, 1967; Oregon taxation, late 1960s; Labor and Industry Committee, 1967; unemployment insurance and workers compensation, 1965-1967; Atiyeh handling many committee assignments in 1967 session; mental health legislation, 1967; relationship between divisions of government and legislators. |
| Oral History, Tape 10, Side 1 | Discussion of Aluminum plant in Oregon; sex education debates as legislator and Governor; debate about Portland State University going from college to University; 1967 legislative session as Senator; 1968 Republican National Convention; committees he was a part of during the 1969 senate session. |
| Oral History, Tape 10, Side 2 | Taxation committee; legislation request by Oregon Society of Certified Accountants; involvement on committees during late 1969; personal legislation philosophy; beach bill late 1960s; opinion on creation of Portland State University, court of appeals, Tri-Met; 1971 coalition battle. |
| Oral History, Tape 11, Side 1 | Thoughts on Cecil Edwards; opinion on committee chairmanships; thoughts on Bud Lent; socializing with legislators; appointing Supreme Court judges, Wally Carson and Betty Roberts; committee procedures; education bills in the early 1970s; concern for the mentally disabled; relationships between Legislators and lobbyists, George Wingard and Dick Groener. |
| Oral History, Tape 11, Side 2 | Taxation, Senate Bill 541, property tax; constituents writing into him as Legislator and Governor; watch and clockmakers bill, use of licenses in government; sunsetting government agencies; committee involvement in 1973 and 1975; involvement in environmental affairs committee in 1971. |
| Oral History, Tape 12, Side 1 | Environmental issues in 1973 and 1975, Bottle Bill, Litter Bill; his administration compared to Tom McCall; traffic safety; thoughts on Eliza Roseanna Barchus; Education financing; constitutionality of Vietnam War; mass transit debate in 1971; creation of Children's Services division. |
| Oral History, Tape 12, Side 2 | Election of Senate President, early 1970s; early 1990s politics; philosophy of cabinet appointments; discussion of national politics, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson; civil rights while Governor. |
| Oral History, Tape 13, Side 1 | Budget problems, no specific time; early 1990s politics; proper leadership; comparison to Tom McCall; reflection on tenure as Governor; Emergency Board 1971; Ways and Means Committee; Oregon Agricultural Labor Relations Board. |
| Oral History, Tape 13, Side 2 | Collective bargaining; Senate Bill 10 in 1973; Senate Bill 100 in 1975; reapportionment in 1971; fluoridation of water early 1970s; Senate Bill 294 in 1971 (an agricultural issue); voting rights for 18-year-olds; bill to debate constitutional prohibition of gambling and lotteries; relationship between Republican Speaker of the House and Republican Senate Minority leader; strategy of bill prevention; legislature duties early 1970s. |
| Oral History, Tape 14, Side 1 | Collection of Lewis and Clark historical items; Lewis and Clark Centennial Expo, 1905; Atiyeh's interest in collection of Oregon historical items; Oregon Trail and great migrations to Oregon, mid 1850s; the Atiyeh family migration to United States, 1900; legislators' salary in 1970s. |
| Oral History, Tape 14, Side 2 | Effect of Atiyeh Bros. business experience on political life throughout career; effect politics had on family life throughout career; work on Education Committees in 1971 and 1973; procedure of testimonies on committees, 1970s; role of chairman on committees, 1970s; opinion of school system as a bureaucracy, early 1970s; debate of making kindergarten mandatory, early 1970s; legislative election of 1972. |
| Oral History, Tape 15, Side 1 | Impressions of former Governor and President Bill Clinton; legislative leadership in 1973; decriminalization of marijuana Bill, 1973; debate over Senate bill 100 or Oregon Land Conservation and Development Act, 1973; land use in Washington Country and the balance of agricultural interests and developers, 1973; redefining inventory tax exemptions, Senate Bill 479, 1973; involvement on Transportation Committee, 1973. |
| Oral History, Tape 15, Side 2 | Governor Tom McCall's budget of 1973; McCall's school finance program, 1973; sales tax debate, mid 1970s; farm workers labor rights and raising the minimum wage, 1973; obscenity laws in Oregon, mid 1970s; Atiyeh's view of proper morality in United States; role of media in American democracy, early 1990s. |
| Oral History, Tape 16, Side 1 | Inflation rates, late 1970s through early 1980s; debate regarding fishing licenses fess, 1973; Oregon Native Americans versus commercial fishing rights, 1973; bill forcing state agencies to make records public, 1973; bill extending Port of Portland to Clackamas and Washington Counties, 1973; spending limits by candidates on campaigns, 1973; failed bill that replaced public utility commissioner with a 3 member commission, 1973; how Oregon utilities operate, early 1990s; public versus private utilities, early 1990s; Atiyeh's experiences with lobbyists; credibility of Oregon legislators, early 1990s; increasing size of Court of Appeals, mid 1970s. |
| Oral History, Tape 16, Side 2 | Merger of Fish and Game Commissions, 1973; assessment of the 1973 legislative session; motivation for running for Governor, 1973-1974; Dolores's feelings toward public life; supporters of Atiyeh for Governor, 1974; Mike Ragsdale and other staff assembled for the Governors election, 1974; Beating Clay Myers in the primary for Governor, 1974. |
| Oral History, Tape 17, Side 1 | Republicans National Committee Meeting, early 1990s; relationship with Head of Oregon Republican Party, Craig Berkman, early 1990s; status of Oregon Republican Party, early 1990s; Senator Bob Packwood criticized by media, early 1990s; response to being labeled “conservative” in 1974 election; opinion of Dan Quayle, late 1980s; opinion of Governor Bob Straub; Democratic Presidents that Atiyeh admired; opinion of former Governor Bob Holmes; support from business community in 1974 election; opinion of Tom McCall, early 1990s |
| Oral History, Tape 17, Side 2 | Bob Straub winning election of 1974; Tom Atiyeh getting beat up in Portland, mid 1970s; Atiyeh responding to Oregonian editorial quotes about election, mid 1970s; Governor Christopher Bond of Missouri supporting Atiyeh in 1974 election; experience of visiting White House and President Ford, mid 1970s; Governor Tom McCall supporting Bob Straub in 1974 election; effects of national politics on 1974 election; strategy in Governor campaign of 1974; Governor campaigns of 1978, 1982 compared to campaign of 1974. |
| Oral History, Tape 18, Side 1 | Politics and Atiyeh Bros. company; 1975 Session of the Legislature: Senator Chuck Hanlon, leadership; role on Revenue Committee; Senator Jason Boe removing Senator Vern Cook from Committee; impression of Frank Roberts; Nuclear Power Plant Bill in 1973 and 1975; legislative response to controversial issues; Legislative Administration Joint Committee; Goodwill Industries of Oregon. |
| Oral History, Tape 18, Side 2 | Serving on 1993 Republican National Committee; early 1990s Republican Party; joint resolutions, 1975 session; gas tax for highway improvement; capital punishment. |
| Oral History, Tape 19, Side 1 | Environmental bills: bottle bill, fluorocarbons mid 1970s; condemnation powers for the Willamette Greenway system mid 1970s; no return bottle bill mid 1970s; brief assessment of 1975 session; affect of running for Governor on his position in Legislature; 1977 Legislature session: leadership and committee assignments; rewriting motor vehicle code 1977; Revenue and School Finance. Page 555 is after 558 in the transcript. |
| Oral History, Tape 19, Side 2 | Revenue and School Finance late 1970s; bills that Atiyeh introduced late 1977s; activity of Legislative Committee on Land Use; Land Conservation and Development Commission late 1970s; Indian Affairs Commission; relationship with Warm Springs Tribe; financing schools late 1970s. |
| Oral History, Tape 20, Side 1 | Financing Schools late 1970s; tax bases and safety nets for schools late 1970s and early 1990s; sales tax debate; property taxes before and after Oregon Ballot measure 5 (1990); how taxes and budgets connect. |
| Oral History, Tape 20, Side 2 | Ttax and budget cuts as Legislator and Governor; paying for highway maintenance 1977;change in workers compensation 1977; driving laws 1977; Atiyeh bills that were signed by Governor Straub late 1970s; Oregon National Guard Museum; relationship with Governor Bob Straub. Note: page 601 is after 603 in the transcript. |
| Oral History, Tape 21, Side 1 | Speaker of the House Phil Lang being stripped of his power by the Rules Committee; Governor Straus creation of the power authority; dentists bill late 1970s; euthanasia bill late 1970s; Dimethyl Sulfoxide Bill late 1970s; legislators' salaries in the late 1970s and early 1990s; small campaign finance reform; cutting government agencies late 1970s and early 1990s; right to life debate late 1970s. |
| Oral History, Tape 21, Side 2 | Discussion on Atiyeh missing politics; Oregon politics early 1990s;personal assessment of the 1977 legislative session; media assessment of the 1977 legislative session; general procedural questions about legislature: contacting voters, staying in contact with lobbying groups, secretaries. |
| Oral History, Tape 22, Side 1 | Voting history in legislature; critiques of Atiyeh's voting in legislature; special five-day session in 1978 on Measures 6 and 11 (property taxes); personal overview of his time in legislature. |
| Oral History, Tape 22, Side 2 | How different news organizations viewed him over his political career; personal reflections on his time in the Oregon legislature; thoughts on criticism towards himself; debating bills on the legislative floor; personal thoughts on his integrity and performance while in legislature; early stages of running for Governor late 1970s; differences between 1974 and 1978 Governor election; political opinion of Governor Straub; governor primary race. |
| Oral History, Tape 23, Side 1 | Campaign consultants Hank Crawford and Paul Newman; running against Roger Martin and Tom McCall in Governor primary 1978; thoughts and relationship with his press secretary Denny Miles; establishing a campaign in 1978 election; victory in 1978 primary over Roger Martin and Tom McCall. |
| Oral History, Tape 23, Side 2 | Election night primary Governor race 1978; raising money and getting volunteers in 1978 campaign; getting endorsements for primary and general campaign 1978; status of Republican party late 1970s; relationship with Republican party during campaign; Walter Huss in 1978 election; Atiyeh's religious views on his political philosophy. |
| Oral History, Tape 24 | Walter Huss and Candidate financing; Oregon Measures 6 and 8 +regarding property taxes in 1978 election; Atiyeh and Reagan in conservative movement late 1970s and early 1980s; difference in approach to Governor Campaign in 1974 and 1978; environmental issues: wilderness election 1978; important issues 1978 Governor election; general campaign progress of 1978. |
| Oral History, Tape 25, Side 1 | Governor Election night of 1978; initial thoughts on being elected Governor; security at his house post election 1978; other state elections of 1978; Tom McCall in the 1978 election. Note: page 718 is missing from the transcript. |
| Oral History, Tape 25, Side 2 | Beer and Wine distribution bill; early time as Governor 1979; administration appointments as Governor 1979; transition between Governor Straub and Atiyeh; department appointments: human resources, economic development, commerce, etc.; process of appointments. |
| Oral History, Tape 26, Side 1 | Process of appointments while he was governor; Kelly Wood and the Department of Energy; partisanship in Legislature during early years as governor; conflict with legislature over appointments; early relationship as Governor with Senate President Jason Boe; replacing members of the Energy Facilities Sitting Council; cutting salaries of personal staff; Dolores' new role as Governor's wife; Tom and Suzanne Atiyeh adjusting to their father as Governor; inaugural address: issues raised and response to speech; association with Governor Reagan's message. |
| Oral History, Tape 26, Side 2 | Philosophy of representing Oregon; covering ground in Oregon on the campaign trail; communicating with the masses as Governor; effect of public life on marriage with Dolores; working with a Democratic House of Representatives; working relationships with: Speaking of the House Hardy Myers, Majority Leader Grattan Kerans, Minority Leader Gary Wilhelms; Atiyeh's tax relief program and budget for 1979-80; homeowner/renter relief program; national inflation and interest rates and effects; canceling prior executive orders by previous Governors 1979-80; Atiyeh's long term energy plan. |
| Oral History, Tape 27, Side 1 | Long term energy plan; state involvement in utilities; Northwest Power Bill 1979-80; Pebble Springs Nuclear Project; Bob Straub's Domestic and Rural Power Authority; other energy policies early years of Governorship; econometric model for the state of Oregon 1979; Indian affairs as Governor 1979-80; changes to the order of succession to the Governor 1979-80; Oregon Wilderness Bill 1979-80. |
| Oral History, Tape 27, Side 2 | Columbia Region of Associated Governors and Metro; personal view of role of government; solid waste disposal plans; air, water, and ground pollution; role of government: Job Training and Partnership Act; moving from legislative branch to the executive branch; opinion of Oregon has a Democratic Congress and a Republican Governor. |
| Oral History, Tape 28, Side 1 | Role vis-a-vis legislative committees as Governor; extraditions while Governor; first 100 days: working on the internal administration of the State Government; responding to comments about him from Bob Smith and Robert Knipe; changing administration from Bob Straub to his; hosting open houses while Governor; media availability while Governor; taxes in 1979 legislative session. |
| Oral History, Tape 28, Side 2 | Reform of the welfare system late 1970s, early 1980s; reform of the two parent family welfare; Banfield light rail system and Mount Hood Freeway early 1980s; veterans bonds early 1980s; nuclear power plants in Oregon early 1980s; potential future energy sources; philosophy and procedure relating to vetoes. |
| Oral History, Tape 29, Side 1 | Bills that were vetoed in 1979-1980 legislative session; discussion of balance between executive and legislative branches; Senate Bill 111 late 1970s, early 1980s; anti-smoking laws 1970s-early 1980s; alternative energies: gasohol; elections of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction; raising the minimum wage early 1980s; raising pay for legislators and elected officials, early 1980s; state-funded educational broadcasting. |
| Oral History, Tape 29, Side 2 | Energy concerns: taxes on oil extraction and a ban on shutoffs of heat and electricity during winter months; bills that were not passed as Governor, early 1980s; seatbelt law and an increase in highway speed limits; personal stance on abortions early 1980s; methods of capital punishment early 1980s; discrimination against homosexuals early 1980s; minority affairs: Commission of the Status of Black and Hispanic affairs; attempted removal of the ban against self-serve gas pumps; reducing the drinking age from 21 to 19. |
| Oral History, Tape 30, Side 1 | Air, ground, and water pollution: banning disposable diapers 1979; effect of bottle bill; opinion on conjugal visits 1979; personal assessment of the 1979 legislative session; media assessment of Atiyeh's first legislative session as Governor; Land Use Board of Appeals 1979; opinion of legislative branch from Governors perspective; relationship as Governor to Emergency Board; role of budget director with legislative branch; relationship with Washington Governor Dixie Lee Ray and Idaho Governor John Evans. |
| Oral History, Tape 30, Side 2 | Conference of International Trade, Seattle Washington 1979; relationships with other Governors: Jay Hammond of Alaska; relationship with Jimmy Carter administration, 1979-1981; Western Governors Conference 1979, national governors meetings, and Republicans Governors Association; unitary tax system; debate about state vs. federal governments; Atiyeh's tax plan late 1970s to early 1980s; first time at National Governors' Conference. |
| Oral History, Tape 31, Side 1 | Iran hostage crises, 1979-81; military strategy during Carter and Regan administrations; affirmative action plan, early 1980s; 1980 special legislative session: resolving the budget crisis; 1980 presidential election; assessment of first year as Governor 1979-1980. |
| Oral History, Tape 32, Side 1 | Atiyeh's private political fund, early 1980s; The Oregonian's political orientation; Denny Miles protecting Governor Atiyeh; weekly press conferences during governorship and media availability; July, 1980 American Federation of Labor prison conflict; relationship with 1981 legislative session; The Willamette Weeks's relationship to Atiyeh; opinion of political “promises”; difference between Republicans and Democrats in state regulation. |
| Oral History, Tape 32, Side 2 | Atiyeh's position on state employees during governorship; businessmen versus administrators for running state agencies, governorship; personal involvement in affairs of state government, governorship; observations of government bureaucracy during political career; promoting conservation and alternative energy development, 1981; Alumax Aluminum plant in Boardman, early 1980s; Northwest Regional Power Bill and Northwest Regional Power Planning Council, early 1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 33, Side 1 | Northwest Regional Power and Planning Council; Herb Schwab and Roy Hemingway representatives of Northwest Regional Power and Planning Council; special legislation in October, 1981 to reduce budget; reviewing the scenic rivers act 1981; Land Conservation and Development Commission, early 1980s; legislation to make racial harassment a crime, early 1980s; National Governor's Association Meeting and meeting with President Ronald Reagan, February, 1981; impressions of past presidents: Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Regan, and George Bush; impressions of David Stockman, Head of Management and Budget; productivity of National Governors Association Meeting, 1981; Dorchester Conference 1981. |
| Oral History, Tape 33, Side 2 | Personal philosophy of role of government: major fundamental difference between Democrats and Republicans; addressing the City Club (of Portland?) in March 1981: cutting budgets and regulation; raising revenue through taxes in 1981; reform of the state judicial system in 1981; eliminating the Metropolitan Boundary Commission, early 1980s; thoughts on election by mail; state veterans home loan program. |
| Oral History, Tape 34, Side 1 | Veterans home loan program; policies enacted by 1981 legislature: Crabtree State Park, Senior Citizen Advisory Council, kindergartens, anti-smoking laws, gas tax, collective bargaining; Willamette Valley Commuter Train; tourist agency; unemployment insurance and benefits; logging exports to Japan; nursing home reform; reflections on 1981 legislative session as Governor. |
| Oral History, Tape 34, Side 2 | Special legislative session early 1982; balancing the budget, 1982; tax increases versus budget cuts; conflict with legislature over budget, 1982; selective versus broad based across the board cutting; shortfall of revenue, 1982; reflections on special legislative session of 1982. |
| Oral History, Tape 35, Side 1 | Reelection for Governor, 1982; Reelect Governor Atiyeh Committee: Blake Herring, Leonard Forsgren, and Roy Livermore; labor politics in 1982 Governor Campaign; Oregon Public Employees endorsing Ted Kulongoski; challenging Ted Kulongoski to a debate, 1982; first debate with Ted Kulongoski at the City Club of Portland, 1982; how Atiyeh prepared for debates. |
| Oral History, Tape 35, Side 2 | Third Debate in Medford with Ted Kulongoski of Governor Campaign, 1982; principles underlying campaign of 1982; thoughts on “dirty” or negative campaigns; intention to blow up “Welcome to Oregon” sign; advertisements Atiyeh was in, early 1980s; plant closure issue in Coos Bay by Georgia-Pacific; negative campaigning against Ted Kulongoski; ideology and policy connections to Ronald Reagan; thoughts on pandering to voters as a politician; Oregon off-shore oil exploration. |
| Oral History, Tape 36, Side 1 | Tape 36, Side 1 of Governor Atiyeh's oral history covers: Organizing for political campaigns, early 1980s; working with the Republican Party on campaigns; issue of relief from long term federal timber sales contracts; thoughts on the federal government managing Northwest timber; role of homeownership in America; Savings and Loan Crisis, late 1980s to early 1990s; timber industry and the free market; State Accident Insurance Fund (SAIF) and the budget deficit of 1982. |
| Oral History, Tape 36, Side 2 | Pardoning of Dwayne Samples, 1982; interview with 60 Minutes and Mike Wallace, 1982; thoughts on Kulongoski's plan to invest portions of state employee pensions; divestment from South African companies, early 1980s; problems African Americans have in America; support for longshoremen and timber exports; platform for his second term as Governor. |
| Oral History, Tape 37, Side 1 | Land Conservation and Development Commission, early 1980s; Oregon infrastructure development; helping the forest products industry, early 1980s; crime prevention in second term; The Matrix System of punishment; taxes and the deficit of the 1980s; letter from Atiyeh to the White House about the deficit, 1982; relationship with Republican party during 1982 election; Ronald Reagan visiting Oregon, early 1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 37, Side 2 | Ronald Reagan's trip to Klamath Falls and Atiyeh's ride on Air Force 1; election results of 1982; reflection of the campaign and election for Governor, 1982; campaign financing and expenditures, 1982 election; Political Action Committees, 1982 election; Lee Johnson leaving staff, 1982. |
| Oral History, Tape 38, Side 1 | Embarrassing moments as politician; changes in 1983 legislature; State of the State address, 1983; Seven Point crime plan, 1983; Net Receipts Tax, 1983; potential sales tax,1983; funding Oregon State Parks, mid-1980s; Governor's Office budget. |
| Oral History, Tape 38, Side 2 | Governor's Office Budget, 1983; Atiyeh's refusal to meet with Irv Fletcher of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations; National Governor's Association meeting, 1983; impressions of Governors: Scott Matheson of Utah, Jim Thompson of Illinois, Richard Thornburg of Pennsylvania, Bruce Bassett of Arizona, Tony Anaya of New Mexico, Joseph Brennan of Maine; Western Governor's Conference, 1983; thoughts on George Ariyoshi of Hawaii and Dick Lamm of Colorado; Atiyeh as chair of Western Governor's Conference, 1983; proposed land swap between the State of Oregon and Federal Government; thoughts on Secretary of Interior James Watt. |
| Oral History, Tape 39, Side 1 | Issues of the 1983 legislative session: property tax relief, State Accident Insurance Fund (SAIF), Police and Firefighter benefits; consumer protection laws, 1983; Atiyeh's personal philosophy on consumer protection laws; relationship with consumer protection group Fair Share, 1983; arranging meetings with demonstrators; legislation that prevented utilities from shutting off services, 1983; landlord-tenant laws, 1983; seatbelt laws for children, 1983; establishing trade office in Japan, early 1980s; working toward economic diversification in Oregon, early 1980s; budgeting for State Parks and State Police; Oregon Arts Commission, early 1980s; Art and Music in Oregon politics, 1970s-1980s; Atiyeh's personal thoughts on art; senior citizen homestead referral program, early 1980s; defeat of a citizens board to represent public at utility hearings; Oregon Liquor Control Commission. |
| Oral History, Tape 39, Side 2 | To be added |
| Oral History, Tape 40, Side 1 | Reforming juvenile court, 1983; failed building of a Governor's residence, 1983; failed ban on private fisheries, 1983; special legislative session of 1983: a State constitutional sales tax; vetoing bills in the 1983 legislative session; special legislative session, July 1984; unitary tax and Japan. |
| Oral History, Tape 40, Side 2 | NEC Corporation building a plant in Oregon, mid 1980s; special legislative session of July 1984 on unitary tax and Japan; one year tax break to Washington residents who work in Oregon; Washington's Public Power Supply System bond default, mid 1980s; history and creation of Opal Creek Wilderness Area, mid 1980s; Opal Creek in early 1990s. |
| Oral History, Tape 41, Side 1 | Bohemian Grove Retreat, mid 1980s; Atiyeh's involvement with primary and general election of 1984; thoughts on Mark Hatfield; increase in property taxes, 1984; Atiyeh's role in boosting Oregon economic development; meeting with Chinese Premier, Zhao Ziyang, San Francisco, 1984; invitations Atiyeh received while Governor; announcement of Far East trip, 1984. |
| Oral History, Tape 41, Side 2 | Playing in Hawaiian Open Golf Tournament, 1984; trip to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, and Israel, 1984; personal feelings, trade delegation, and meeting with foreign dignitaries on Middle East trip, 1984; thoughts on Israel-United States relations; security while on Middle East Trip, 1984; personal views on peace in the Middle East; visit to the Quneitra village on Middle East trip, 1984. |
| Oral History, Tape 42, Side 1 | Visit to Quneitra on Middle East trip, 1984; difference between Israeli and Syrian version of the events that occurred at the Village of Quneitra; visit to Syria and meeting with President Assad, 1984; conversation with President Assad on terrorism in Middle East, 1984; thoughts on meeting President Assad, 1984, 1985 trips; Atiyeh's last trip to Syria, 1987; meeting with President Assad in 1987; how Atiyeh became an “informal conduit” to Syria and Assad, 1987. |
| Oral History, Tape 42, Side 2 | Meeting with President Assad in Syria, 1984; President Assad and the First Persian Gulf War, early 1990s; economy in Syria, mid 1980s; media coverage of Israel and Palestinians, mid 1980s; description of trip to Damascus, mid 1980s; gold and exchange rate in Syria, mid 1980s; buying swords, bracelets, and other items in Syria, mid 1980s; trip to Homs and Amar, 1984. |
| Oral History, Tape 43, Side 1 | Memories of visit to his father's village of Amar, Syria, 1984; visit to Krak des Chevaliers, mid 1980s; family living in Syria, mid 1980s; geography of Syria, Lebanon, Palestine; second trip to Syria: delegation of Parliamentarians, 1985; flying from Taiwan to Damascus in 1985; Conference of Parliamentarians in Syria, 1985; trip to Cyprus, 1984. |
| Oral History, Tape 43, Side 2 | Obtaining a .38 Smith and Wesson gun in Syria, 1984; trip to Israel, 1984; impressions and experiences of violence and propaganda in Israel, 1984; Palestinian-Israeli conflict, mid 1980s; global threat of terrorism, early 1990s; Atiyeh's personal position on Israel and peace in the Middle East, early 1990s. |
| Oral History, Tape 44, Side 1 | Treatment of Palestine by other Arab Nations, early 1990s; Palestinian-Israeli conflict, early 1990s; accomplishments of Israel trip, 1984; response to criticism of the Middle East, 1984; Tongue Point owned by State of Oregon, 1984; productivity of Oregon maritime shipping ports, 1980s and early 1990s; trip to Taiwan, China, and Korea, fall 1984; establishing trade relations with Taiwan and China; Proclamation of Establishment of Sister-State Relationship between Oregon and Providence of Taiwan of China; Taiwan-China conflict, mid 1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 44, Side 2 | Establishing a trade mission to Japan, 1984; "From Oregon With Love" Japanese television series, 1984; business relationship with Japan, mid 1980s; relationship with Mike Mansfield, former United States ambassador to Japan, mid 1980s; benefits of being in an economic trade zone in China, mid 1980s; trip to Japan, 1985; meeting with representatives from Sharp-RCA and Sony corporations, 1985; thoughts on Oregon Director of Economic Development, John Anderson, mid 1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 45, Side 1 | Timber, agriculture, and tourism as economic base in Oregon, mid 1980s; diversifying Oregon's economy while Governor; thoughts on federal military bases in Oregon, mid 1980s; comparing taxes in Oregon and Washington; competition with Washington over manufacturing companies, mid 1980s; legislative politics in Oregon, early 1990s; working with Vera Katz and John Kitzhaber in 1985 legislative session; establishment of a Columbia River Gorge Commission, 1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 45, Side 2 | Columbia River Gorge Commission and preservation of natural habitat, mid-1980s; federal versus state control in the Columbia River Gorge mid-1980s; personal heath complications as Governor, mid-1980s; taxation in Oregon: local control over school taxes, sales tax, timber taxes; regressive nature of sales tax. |
| Oral History, Tape 46, Side 1 | Atiyeh’s tax plan in the 1985 legislative session; the Oregon Education Association and Atiyeh’s 1985 tax plan; Oregon Education Association versus Atiyeh’s tax plan, 1985; Atiyeh’s view on education in Oregon; equalization formulas for school districts in Oregon, mid-1980s; Atiyeh responding to Foster Church comments on sales tax, 1985. |
| Oral History, Tape 46, Side 2 | The Oregon Balanced Tax Plan Cartoon Book, 1985; tax burden of the 1985 tax plan on individuals and businesses; support for the 1985 tax plan; thoughts on Larry Campbell and Jason Boe; constitutional spending limit for Oregon, mid-1980s; sales tax failure in Oregon Legislature, 1985; property taxes and sales tax in Oregon, mid-1980s; popularity of Atiyeh in Oregon, 1986; thoughts on Interior Secretary Don Hodell, mid-1980s; land exchange between Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service, 1986; offshore oil and gas exploration in Oregon, 1986; border disputes between California and Oregon, mid-1980s; Atiyeh’s relationship with Governor of California, George Deukmejian. |
| Oral History, Tape 47, Side 1 | Oregon budget crisis, 1986; 1986 Legislative issues: child pornography, armor-piercing bullets, new prisons and jails, home confinement, juvenile offenders, gas price displays, under-16 seat belt law and auto-emissions inspections; process of vetoing bills as governor; 1986 Legislative issues: regulation of hazardous materials, statewide trauma care system, controlling hospital costs, smoking in Jury rooms, adequate water for migrant workers, additional regulations on new hydro-electric plants, ended election-day voter registration, and restrictions on phone companies; comparing wages of men and women in Oregon, 1986. |
| Oral History, Tape 47, Side 2 | Relationships with unions, 1986; right to work laws, mid-1980s; employment in Oregon and unions, mid-1980s; unions and business in politics, mid-1980s; thoughts on Neil Goldschmidt and business, late 1980s; self-reflection on tenure as Governor, Oregon politics, early 1990s. |
| Oral History, Tape 48, Side 1 | Establishment of Martin Luther King Day and Presidents Day, 1985; Atiyeh’s Affirmative Action officer Kay Touran, mid-1980s; legislation on art galleries, 1985; failed bills in the 1985 legislature; ground pollution and recycling in Oregon, mid-1980s and early 1990s; Presidential primary and general campaigns in Oregon, late 1980s, early 1990s; potential of legalizing prostitution, mid-1980s; thoughts on former State Senator, Vern Cook; land use planning in Oregon and Raleigh Hills, early 1990s. |
| Oral History, Tape 48, Side 2 | Senate Bill 100, land use planning, mid ‘70s; Henry Jackson’s National Land Use Planning Bill, early ‘70s; altering length of Legislative sessions, mid-1980s; national and state tax changes, mid-1980s; Eastern Oregon and Northern California forming own state, mid-1980s; vetos as compared to other Oregon Governors. |
| Oral History, Tape 49, Side 1 | Natural disasters during tenure as Governor; number of vetos compared to other Oregon Governors, Oswald West; bills vetoed during 1985 Legislative session: quelling riots, fair pay to underaged people, Oregon State Lottery; conflicts with Oregon budget; legislative versus executive branches; legality of vetoing, mid-1980s; lobbyist influence on Atiyeh’s vetoing, mid-1980s; Legislature and confirmation of executive appointments; conflict between Atiyeh and Legislature on a Governor airplane; Secretary of State’s audit performances in government agencies, mid-1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 49, Side 2 | Governor’s performance audit, mid-1980s; bills vetoed in 1985: Shield bill, video display terminal, limited police authority; reflection of last Legislative session as Governor, 1985; Rajneesh incident in Oregon, mid-1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 50, Side 1 | Rajneesh incident in Oregon, mid-1980s; Oregon Investment Council, mid-1980s; Roger Meyer and the buy-out of Fred Meyer by KK&R, mid-1980s; State Treasurer Bill Rutherford, mid-1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 50, Side 2 | Oregon Investment Council and Bill Rutherford, mid-1980s; business and government corruption, mid-1980s; appointments as governor; the Columbia Gorge protection plan, mid-1980s; Umatilla depot for disposal and storage of weapons, mid-1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 51, Side 1 | Umatilla depot for disposal and storage of weapons, mid-1980s; Hanford nuclear installation, mid-1980s; public vs. private power, mid-1980s; fish management; tax inequities, mid-1980s; Western Governors' Association meeting in Honolulu, 1985; trips to Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, 1985. |
| Oral History, Tape 51, Side 2 | Taiwan, Japan, and Korea trip, 1985; bribes and ethics, mid-1980s; Western Regional Council in Arizona, 1985; Republican Governors Conferences, mid-1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 52, Side 1 | Atiyeh’s Governor Office reunion at Gerry Thompson’s house, early 1990s; Wasada University (Japan) creating offshore campus in Oregon, early 1990s; criticism of Oregon’s lack of long-term planning; long-term planning in Oregon, 1980s; mass transit reorganization in tri-county area, 1986; Atiyeh’s decision to send National Guard to Honduras, mid-1980s; Secretary of State Barbara Roberts’ performance audits of government, mid-1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 52, Side 2 | Secretary of State Barbara Roberts’ performance audits of government, mid-1980s; position of Secretary of State; state cabinet system of governance; discussion of a Lieutenant Governor; involvement in a Chinese Council for business, 1980s; thoughts on Monty Montgomery; Gramm-Rudman Act, 85; national and state budget deficits, late 1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 53, Side 1 | National and State budget deficits, mid-late 1980s; welfare systems and the lower classes, 1980s; censorship of television and freedom of speech, degradation of moral fiber in the United States, early 1990s; institutions for the mentally ill, 1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 53, Side 2 | State of Oregon school finance reform plan 1986; property taxes and Ballot Measure 5, 1990; thoughts on Robert (Bob) Smith; honest versus misleading campaigns; inherent issues of involvement in politics; security issues as Governor, 1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 54, Side 1 | Security issues as Governor, 1980s; Lon Holbrook and State police troopers, Governorship, 1980s; State of Oregon school finance reform plan, 1986; Governor Barbara Roberts and early 1990 politics; dinner with President Ronald Reagan, 1986; National Governors Association dinner at the White House, 1986. |
| Oral History, Tape 54, Side 2 | Trip to New York to discuss Oregon’s credit rating, 1986; drug tests for State employment; Oregon designated enterprise zones; Far East Trade Mission, China, Japan, South Korea; nuclear waste storage problems; comments made at the Oregon Newspaper Publishers meeting, 1986; mid-year National Governors Associations meeting, 1986; trip to Japan as representative of the National Governors' Association, 1986. |
| Oral History, Tape 55, Side 1 | Atiyeh’s involvement with the 1986 Oregon Governor election; thoughts on Norma Paulus and Neil Goldschmidt; 1986 Oregon Governor election; institutionalizing Atiyeh’s policies, 1980s; transition between Atiyeh’s administration to Goldschmidt’s, 1986; feelings on inauguration day for Neil Goldschmidt, 1987; reflections on leaving the Governorship, 1987. |
| Oral History, Tape 55, Side 2 | National Governors' Association Committee on Energy and Environment, 1980s; National Governors' Association Committee and International Trade and Foreign Relations, 1980s; chair of the Education Commission of States National Task Force on Indian Education, 1980s; Western Governors Conference and Presidential Primaries, 1980s; honors and awards as Governor, 1980s; honorary degree from Willamette University. |
| Oral History, Tape 56, Side 1 | “The Governor Atiyeh Perpetual Up The Creek Without A Paddle Award”, 1980s; descriptions of awards, honors, and other accomplishments as Governor; descriptions of items obtained while he was Governor, 1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 56, Side 2 | Thoughts on Mark Hatfield and Gerry Frank; report card for Barbara Roberts term as Governor; property taxes and Oregon’s ballot measure 5, 1990; comparing Senators Mark Hatfield and Bob Packwood to Richard and Maurine Neuberger and Wayne Morse; thoughts on the Vietnam War; Bob Packwood and sexual harassment, late 1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 57, Side 1 | Thoughts on Representatives A. Walter Norblad, Wendell Wyatt, Edith Green, Les Aucoin; relationships between governors and the state’s federal delegation; relationships with prominent Oregon business and labor leaders while in politics; thoughts on Governor Dixie Lee Ray. |
| Oral History, Tape 57, Side 2 | Relationships with Washington Senators Dan Evans, Brock Adams, Scoop Jackson, Warren Magnusson; thoughts on Legislators Debbs Pots, Lynn Newbry, Jason Boe, Phil Lang, Vera Katz, Sam Dement, Connie MacReady (Mayor), Earl Blumenauer, Tony Meeker, Ed Whelan, Don Willner, Mike Thorn, Arthur Ireland; thoughts on Presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George Bush; meeting President Ford in the White House, 1974; reflections on tenure as Governor, 1980s; responding to criticism from Oregonian writer Allen Hayakawa, late 1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 58, Side 1 | Responding to criticism from Oregonian writer Allen Hayakawa, late 1980s; personal reflections on political credentials; margin of victory in second election, 1982; managerial style of Atiyeh, 1980s; policy high points as Governor; repeal of the unitary tax in Oregon, mid-1980s; how legislative branch evolved from 1959-1987; balance of power between legislative and executive branches of government, 1980s; problems with single-member districts. |
| Oral History, Tape 58, Side 2 | Atiyeh’s participation at the sesquicentennial of the Oregon Trail ending in Oregon City, 1993; final personal refection of time as a legislator and Governor, 1959-1987; eco-metric modeling, Northwest Power Planning Council, protection of the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Food Share Program, Deschutes River purchase. |
| Oral History, Tape 59, Side 1 | Final reflections as legislator and governor, 1959-1987: racial discrimination in society, criminal justice and court reform, first Oregon State Games, alternatives to nursing homes, gasoline shortages, diversifying Oregon’s economy; formalizing a state employee’s suggestion award program; traveling Oregon as a Governor; Atiyeh’s charisma as a leader and politician. |
| Oral History, Tape 59, Side 2 | Final reflections as a legislator and governor, 1959-1987; Republican Greg Walden governorship campaign, 1993. |
| Oral History, Tape 60, Side 1 | Experience on the first Delta Airlines flight to Tokyo, Japan, late 1980s; activity on the Republican National Committee, 1993; support for Craig Berkman; how the Republican party has evolved in Oregon; differences between Republicans, independents, and Democrats; thoughts on far-right wing conservatives; role of religion in politics. |
| Oral History, Tape 60, Side 2 | Political activities in post-governor era, late 1980s-early 1990s; Oregon Ballot Measure 9 and gay rights, late 1980s; property tax limitations ballot measure, 1990; work with Boy Scouts, late 1980s-early 1990s; activity with Japan-America Society, early 1990s; board that Atiyeh is involved with, late 1980s-early 1990s; difference between a consultant and a lobbyist; travels in post-governor era, late 1980-early 1990s; daily activities in post-governor era, late 1980s-early 1990s |
| Oral History, Tape 61, Side 1 | Atiyeh's children Tom and Suzanne Atiyeh in early 1990s; his nephew George in early 1990s; his wife Dolores in early 1990s; friendships with Jim Campbell and Tom Galt; self-identified character traits; reading for enjoyment: the American Civil War and the United States’ Constitution; thoughts on the Constitution; meaning of the 4th of July to Atiyeh. |
| Oral History, Tape 61, Side 2 | Political advice to Oregonians, early 1990s; advice to aspiring politicians and public servants, early 1990s; summary of philosophy of life and spiritual beliefs; reflection of personal life and politics effect on family, early 1990s; “sayings” that Atiyeh likes. |
| Oral History, Tape 62, Side 1 | Review of political career; thoughts on Neil Goldschmidt; successes as Governor: avoiding gas shortage, dealings with the Rajneesh, relieving Oregon of the recession; reflections on Governorship: Oregon Food Bank, preservation of the Columbia River Gorge, Northwest Power Planning Council, rebalancing of budgets, Deschutes River, racial and religious harassment. |
| Oral History, Tape 62, Side 2 | Court reform while Governor, 1980s; Atiyeh’s response to recession, early 1980s; State Employee Suggestions Awards Program, mid-1980s; inaugural speech as Governor, 1979; open houses as Governor, 1980s; media availability as Governor, 1980s; Atiyeh’s administrative style as Governor, 1980s; diversification of Oregon’s economy, 1980s; tourism as an economic sector in Oregon, 1980s; repeal of the unitary tax, mid-1980s; timber relief program, early 1980s. |
| Oral History, Tape 63, Side 1 | Employment opportunities in Oregon, 1980s; link between the repeal of the unitary tax and the diversification of Oregon’s economy, 1980s; lack of school finance reform in Oregon, 1980s-1990s; Atiyeh vetoing tax relief packages, 1979-1980; effect of state-run rainy day funds; structure of the legislature, 1980s-1990s; 1982 election victory, effort to introduce sales tax, 1980s-1990s. |
| Oral History, Tape 63, Side 2 | Outcome of the Northwest Power Planning and Conservation Act, 1980s; the Northwest Power Planning Council and the “three sovereigns”; dams and fisheries on the Columbia River, late 1990s; Atiyeh’s view of the legislature, 1998; feelings on the last day of being Governor, 1987; Atiyeh’s political activities since leaving office, 1990s; state of the Republican party, 1998; thoughts on Barry Goldwater, 1998; business and other activities since leaving office, 1998. |
| Oral History, Tape 64 | Atiyeh's children Tom and Suzanne Atiyeh, 1998; travels in post-governor era, 1990s; George Atiyeh and Opal Creek, 1998; assessment of Barbara Roberts and John Kitzhaber as governors, 1998; gun control in Oregon, 1998; debate on Thurston High School shooting, 1998; advice to aspiring politicians and public servants, 1998; final conclusions, 1998. |