Oregon

Oregon Ethics Commission to Investigate Governor Kotek’s Spending on Parking, Concerts, and Employee Dinner

Bend, OR – The Oregon Government Ethics Commission has voted to investigate potential violations of state ethics laws following concerns about Governor Tina Kotek’s office spending on parking, concert tickets, and an employee recognition dinner. The commission’s decision comes after auditors from the Secretary of State’s Office flagged the expenditures earlier in January as “minor” but “unintentional” violations of state policy.

The controversy began when the auditors received anonymous reports in March about potential misuse of state resources related to Kotek’s previously proposed Office of the First Spouse, a plan which has since been abandoned. While the reports regarding the office itself were determined to be unfounded, auditors identified several instances of spending that warranted further scrutiny.

Among the flagged expenses was a $65 monthly parking space for Aimee Kotek Wilson, the governor’s spouse. The governor’s office defended the expense, stating that the parking arrangement was consistent with past practice and in line with advice from the Oregon State Police’s Dignitary Protection Unit. The ethics commission did not find this specific parking expenditure to be a concern, as public officials are allowed to let others use their designated parking spots under state administrative rules.

However, another parking expense raised more significant questions. The state paid $315 per month for parking for Annie McColaugh, the governor’s federal lobbyist, in Washington, D.C. This reimbursement appeared to violate state law, which prohibits public officials from receiving benefits not explicitly outlined in official policies. The governor’s office indicated it was reviewing this practice.

The ethics commission also turned its attention to a dinner reception held at Mahonia Hall, the governor’s mansion, in August 2023. The event, intended to recognize employees from the governor’s office, Oregon State Police, and the Department of Administrative Services, featured a $9,330 spread from a local brewery, including a build-your-own tostada bar. State policy typically limits such events to refreshments like cookies and coffee, not full meals. The governor’s office defended the event, explaining that the dinner was consistent with traditions set by past administrations, and it is now reviewing its catering practices.

In addition to the dinner, auditors raised concerns over roughly $615 in spending on concert tickets for four different events, including a Queen tribute concert and a performance by the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus. The governor’s office clarified that Kotek and Kotek Wilson personally paid for tickets to the Queen concert and another performance, while the state-funded tickets were for the governor’s protective detail, in accordance with state law. The office described the remaining concerts as official events.

During a meeting on Friday, commission Chair David Fiskum emphasized that the commission needed to take action in response to the findings, though it still required more information to determine the next steps. The commission will reconvene at a future meeting to decide whether to issue an advisory letter on state ethics laws, drop the issue, or continue the investigation, which could potentially lead to fines.

The investigation reflects broader concerns about government spending and ethics, as state auditors and the ethics commission work to ensure that public funds are used in accordance with established rules. The findings also highlight a potential tension between long-standing practices and the need for clarity and compliance with current state laws.

Kotek’s communications director reiterated that many of the practices flagged in the audit were longstanding traditions carried over from past governors, suggesting that the review may lead to a reevaluation of state policies on official events and expenses.

As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the ethics commission will resolve the issue and whether any further changes to state ethics guidelines will emerge.

What's your reaction?

Excited
0
Happy
0
In Love
0
Not Sure
0
Silly
0

You may also like

Comments are closed.

More in:Oregon