Real Ethics and Lobbying Reform

We all know that things in Salem aren't working as they should be. We know that too many legislators put the agenda of the powerful lobbies ahead of the interests of the citizens. Now we know that some legislators, including my opponent Wayne Scott, failed to disclose a lobbyist-funded trip to one of the finest hotels in Hawaii.

We need to have our elected officials lead by example. And if they're not willing or able to comply with ethics laws then they shouldn't be in the legislature.

But we also need to pass real ethics and lobbying reform. That's why when I get to Salem, I will introduce legislation that will:

• Ban lobbyist-funded trips or vacations;
  
• Cap the value of lobbyist gifts at $100 per individual item or meal, and $300 total per biennium;
  
• Restrict retired legislators from lobbying their colleagues within two years of leaving office;
  
• Require monthly public disclosure of all meetings with registered lobbyists;
  
• Create a searchable online database of all such meetings;
  
• Institute harsher penalties for legislators who break these ethics laws; and,
  
• Mandate expulsion for legislators who are repeat offenders.

We need to send a clear message to all Oregonians that the legislature is working for them – not the powerful lobbyists and special interests. That's why if elected to the state legislature, I pledge to meet these high standards even should they not be enacted by my fellow legislators.

Rep. Scott, will you do the same?