The Oregon Government Ethics Commission acknowledged today that it has received complaints regarding the role of Governor Tina Kotek, wife of First Lady Amy Kotek Wilson, in her office.
as WW Kotek's chief of staff, Andrea Cooper, and two other senior staff members abruptly left the governor's office last week, according to a report. This was revealed by multiple people familiar with the internal affairs of the agency. WW The resignation is said to be related to a conflict between the governor and his staff over Kotek Wilson's role. The first lady, who holds a master's degree in social work and is a practicing clinician, has attended several staff meetings on behavioral health, one of the governor's top priorities.
Although Oregon law does not define the role or funding of the first lady, Kotek transferred staff from the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to support Kotek-Wilson, and effective March 25, assigned her the governor's crowded office. The office that gave Sweet an office was closed and security was increased by the Oregon State Police's Senior Protection Unit. Ms. Kotek-Wilson is working as an unpaid volunteer, and there is no evidence that she seeks to derive financial benefit from her role in the governor's office.
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Nevertheless, today an unidentified person filed a complaint with OGEC, which enforces the state's ethics laws. These laws prohibit conflicts of interest and the use of public office for personal gain.
In response to inquiries from WWOGEC Executive Director Susan V. Myers confirmed that her office had received the complaint, but declined to provide further details.
“I can confirm that the complaint was received pursuant to ORS 244.260(4)(c),” Myers said. WW on mail. “We are unable to provide any further information regarding the complaint.”
Elizabeth Shepherd, the governor's press secretary, said Kotek's office has not yet seen the complaint.
“We review and respond to complaints as they are received, consistent with Oregon Ethics Law,” Shepherd said. “As this is a pending complaint, we have no further comment.”
