by Karl Kurtz
[Note: Based on additional information received, this post replaces an original version published on April 28.]
A new ethics law in Oregon appears to have caused 150 local government officials to leave their jobs rather than comply with the rules, according to the Los Angeles Times. The provision that has drawn the most ire is a requirement that all government officials, even volunteer members of certain boards or commissions, disclose not only their sources of income and those of their spouses and adult household member but also the names and addresses of all children and siblings who are not members of their household.
Whenever new ethics laws or rules are debated, it is often alleged that strict ethics codes will drive some incumbents from office and hinder recruitment of candidates for office. Aside from occasional anecdotes about someone stepping down because of new rules or a potential candidates saying that they don't want to lose their privacy, there is scant evidence that this actually occurs. So is the fact of 150 local government officials quitting their jobs in Oregon rather than comply with the new law a big deal and evidence that this measure went too far?
According to the story, Oregon Gov. Theodore R. Kulongoski is concerned about the problem and has convened a work group to review the rules, citing the need for "balance between a public official's public responsibility and their private life."
My colleague, Peggy Kerns, is quoted in the story as saying that the Oregon law is unique in its extent and reach. Russ Kelley, spokesman for the Oregon speaker's office, says that the financial disclosure requirements for public officials have been in place for several decades without any problem. The only thing different about financial disclosure in the new law is that it expands these provisions to a number of local governments that were previously exempt and adds the disclosure of the names of adult relatives. While 150 or so local officials, mostly volunteer members of commissions, have resigned rather than file the forms, thousands of others have complied with the law.
Kelley points out that commissions made up of volunteer appointees often have major impacts on public policy and should be held no less accountable than paid, elected public officials. Nonetheless, he said that legislative leaders are considering the need to make some adjustments to the new rules in the next session.