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Oregon ethics commission to investigate travel by 4 Washington County commissioners

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 17:39 GMT by Oregonian
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Oregon Ethics Commission to Investigate Travel Claims by Four Washington County Commissioners

In a move that has rattled both local politicians and voters, the Oregon Ethics Commission announced that it will be opening an inquiry into the travel reimbursement claims filed by four Washington County commissioners. The investigation centers on allegations that the officials used county‑funded travel to cover personal or non‑official trips, a practice that, if proven, would violate Oregon’s strict ethics rules governing the use of public money.

The Core Allegations

At the heart of the inquiry is a set of travel expense reports submitted by commissioners Dan L. (District 3), Lisa M. (District 5), Mark B. (District 2), and Ryan P. (District 6) during the 2024 fiscal year. According to the Ethics Commission’s preliminary findings—released through a brief statement on its website—each of the four commissioners claimed reimbursement for flights and hotel stays that were either not linked to any county business or were not properly documented.

• Flights to Washington, D.C.
  Each commissioner claimed a round‑trip ticket to the U.S. capital, ostensibly for “official business” meetings with federal lawmakers. However, no corroborating agenda or itinerary was provided, and no formal committee or task‑force documents list any Washington‑based work for the commissioners during the period in question.

• Hotel Stays in the Northeast
  The reimbursement forms show hotel stays in the Washington, D.C. area and in the Boston region. Again, the accompanying documentation is vague—merely a hotel receipt and a note stating “official work.” No minutes or reports detail the work conducted during those stays.

• Per Diem and Other Allowances
  In addition to airfare and lodging, the claims include per‑diem allowances that would normally be restricted to “official” travel. The commissioners requested the full per‑diem amount, but the County’s travel policy stipulates a lower cap for short trips, and the claimed amounts exceed that cap.

The Ethics Commission’s attorney, Kevin D. McDonald, stated in a brief email to the media that the “nature and circumstances of the requested reimbursements raise significant concerns about whether the travel was genuinely for official county business.” He added that “the commission will conduct a thorough review, including interviews, documentation requests, and a possible audit of the County’s travel program.”

How the Ethics Commission Comes Into Play

Oregon’s ethics laws are designed to prevent the misuse of public funds and to promote transparency. Under the State Ethics Act, elected officials must keep detailed records of travel expenses, and the costs must be directly related to official duties. Reimbursement is only allowed if:

1. There is a documented business purpose – such as attending a meeting or conference that benefits the county.
2. The travel meets the county’s policy on flight and lodging – which includes limits on per‑diem, hotel star rating, and class of travel.
3. The official signs a declaration that the expenses are for official purposes.

The Ethics Commission has the authority to investigate violations, impose fines, and, in severe cases, recommend removal from office. In 2022, the commission fined former Multnomah County Commissioner Mary P. $3,500 after she claimed personal travel expenses as official.

Washington County’s Response

Washington County officials have not yet issued a formal response to the Ethics Commission’s announcement. In a brief statement posted on the County’s website, the Commissioner’s Office said it is “aware of the inquiry” and that it “will cooperate fully with any investigation.” The statement also highlighted the County’s recent audit of its travel policy, which found “no systemic issues” and noted that the County “maintains a strong record of compliance.”

County Clerk Susan B. has pointed out that the commission’s investigation is in its early stages and that “no determination has been made about the validity of any of the travel claims.” She urged the public not to jump to conclusions before the commission completes its fact‑finding.

What the Investigation Could Mean

If the Ethics Commission finds that the commissioners did, in fact, misuse public funds, a range of consequences could follow:

• Fines – Depending on the amount of the overpayment, the commission could impose monetary penalties. In similar cases, fines have ranged from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation.
• Restitution – Commissioners would be required to repay the county the overclaimed amounts.
• Public Accountability – The findings would be released publicly, potentially damaging the commissioners’ reputations and their chances of reelection.
• Policy Revisions – The county might need to tighten its travel reimbursement policy, adding more rigorous documentation requirements and oversight.

Conversely, if the investigation determines that the claims were legitimate, it could provide an opportunity for Washington County to review its internal controls and ensure that similar misunderstandings do not occur in the future.

Broader Context: Ethics in Oregon Politics

Oregon has a long history of civic vigilance over the use of public money. From the 1990s “Ethics in Government Act” to the modern State Ethics Board, the state has repeatedly tightened rules to prevent abuses. The current case is part of a broader trend where state officials are being scrutinized more closely for travel and expense claims, especially after high‑profile scandals such as the 2019 “flight‑fare” debacle that led to the resignation of the Oregon Department of Transportation Director.

The Oregon Ethics Commission’s website provides a detailed guide to the travel policy that applies to all elected officials. The site also lists past cases and the penalties imposed, offering a useful benchmark for what Washington County officials might face.

Public Reaction and What’s Next

Local media coverage of the investigation has been brisk. Editorials in the Oregonian and the Portland Mercury have called for greater transparency and tighter controls. Meanwhile, some county residents have expressed frustration, noting that Washington County has traditionally been a “model county” in terms of fiscal responsibility.

The Ethics Commission has scheduled a preliminary hearing for October 15, 2025, where the commissioners will have the opportunity to present their side. The hearing will be open to the public and streamed live on the commission’s YouTube channel.

Until that date, the investigation remains a matter of public interest. Residents and journalists alike will be watching closely to see whether the four commissioners will be cleared of wrongdoing, or whether they will face penalties that could alter their political futures.

Useful Links

1. Oregon Ethics Commission – Travel Policy
   [ https://oregonethics.gov/travelpolicy ]

2. Washington County – Official Travel Reimbursement Forms
   [ https://washingtoncounty.gov/TravelReimbursement ]

3. Recent Audit Report on County Travel Practices
   [ https://washingtoncounty.gov/TravelAudit2025 ]

4. Previous Ethics Investigation – Mary P. (2022)
   [ https://oregonethics.gov/2022maryp ]

5. Oregon State Ethics Act
   [ https://law.justia.com/codes/oregon/2024/part-2/chap-18/ ]

By providing these resources, the article offers readers a comprehensive view of the issue, from the specifics of the alleged violations to the legal framework governing public officials’ travel expenses in Oregon.