Washington County commissioners warn of censure if chair does not resign after vulgar gesture

HILLSBORO, Ore. (KPTV) - The Washington County Board of Commissioners says they will pursue censuring Chair Kathryn Harrington if she does not resign, following a vulgar gesture aimed at Commissioner Nafisa Fai.

FOX 12 spoke to Fai and she said while tensions can run high in politics, she never expected to be flipped off by the county chair.

During Tuesday’s work session, Chair Kathryn Harrington was responding to Commissioner Jason Snider about an update to a meeting from last week, and in the middle of her response, Harrington called on Commissioner Nafisa Fai to stop blocking her sight line of Snider.

As Snider began to respond, video shows Harrington getting visibly angry, slamming her hands on the desk, and then giving Fai the middle finger.

“The tone and tenor was like any other Tuesday and I was kind of baffled to be honest. I was surprised to see a finger going up,” said Commissioner Nafisa Fai.

The moment sparked immediate calls for Harrington’s resignation—at a time when Fai is running for Harrington’s seat.

“I believe in disagreeing without using profanity, without raising out one, and really having an adult conversation that’s the type of leader I am that we can disagree without turning that disagreement into destruction,” said Fai.

Instead of stepping down, Harrington announced Thursday she is stepping back as chair to focus on mental health treatment, saying in a statement, “Tuesday’s behavior was a signal that I need to prioritize getting help and support right now. I’m taking that seriously.”

“If she feels like stepping back is the way to heal, and heal the community, because ultimately it is her decision to resign, I’m going to take that, a win is a win,” said Fai.

Harrington also claimed she personally and formally apologized to Fai. But Fai said that never happened.

“I have not talked to her,” said Fai. “It is what it is”

Now, commissioners say if Harrington does not step down, the board will move to censure her. Meanwhile, Fai said she appreciates the outpouring of support from other leaders.

“It does look like I am lonely especially when I have to interrupt bad behaviors, it does look lonely, but I am not alone,” said Fai.

If Harrington does not resign, the board plans to introduce a resolution and order at its meeting on October 1.