Kitz was running for the Oregon House when Cylvia was starting 6th grade. Go mullet power!

torridjoe wrote: Not saying there aren't any, but what rules govern the professional activity of a governor's spouse/SO? Do we know this will be problematic out of the gate?

I don't know for a fact there are any rules/laws, but if being the family member of the employee of a radio station exempts me from participating in any contest that radio station holds, I have to believe there are some restrictions on the governor's spouse's business vying for state government contracts. That they're not married just further complicates the matter.

At the least there would always be the appearance of possible impropriety (i.e., undue influence) or conflict of interest - even if/when there wasn't.

I suspect there are some precedents to go by here - but I can't think of one off the top of my head.

Jack Roberts said: "So does this mean there's not going to be a new reality show, called The First Lady, in which women from across the country compete to see who gets to be Mrs. Kitzhaber during his next tenure as governor?"

Oh Jack has such a sharp wit-

Here's a transcript from his last victory speech sometime in the eighties:

"I would like to thank all of the people that got me elected- of course I would be nowhere without Frank and Betty and of course Barbara and who could ever forget Mary Wendy? And also Lonnie and even little Leslie- thanks to all of you that worked so hard so I could be here today."

"Not saying there aren't any, but what rules govern the professional activity of a governor's spouse/SO? Do we know this will be problematic out of the gate?"

Here's the link to the Oregon government ethics statutes. The definition of 'Relative' is at §244.020(17), and the general prohibition on use of official position or public office for personal gain is at §244.040.

http://www.leg.state.or.us/ors/244.html

Where's Logan these days?

http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091004/NEWS0107/910040406/1041&nav_category=

Actually, the new state ethics laws apply to candidates for public office as well as public officials (which John is now officially a candidate). This means the $50 a year gift limits are in force for anyone (person/corporation/organization/girlfriend/FWBs) who has or may have interests in front of the state.

I guess this means John's latest girlfriend can't buy or prepare him or any of his family members (including Logan) meals, provide him transportation/housing, entertainment (not sure how this is defined), etc., in excess of $50 per year. Now granted, this is a ridiculous law but it is the law none the less, regardless of how easy it is to violate (and most likely is being violated).

Jack Roberts wrote:

I guess Democrats had a sense of humor back then.

We still do, Jack. Democrats laugh about you all the time.

Eeew! 20 years difference...I have to go puke up a trophy to cover my vanity.

Do you think you people could resist the desire to create some ugliness up here? Leave this topic alone. It's like you went LOOKING for this crap and will be manufacturing it once it [detestably] gets rolling. And defend it as the simple and nourishing fare of... ahem... political juuuuuuuunnnnkeeeez.

Leave it alone. There's no here here. Yet. Wait until there IS.

There are two paragraphs from the Bend Bulletin story not quoted above, but worth looking at....

First:

"As a consultant, Hayes has not been afraid to get involved with causes that are opposed by other environmentalists. She helped the Metolian destination resort project with its environmentally sensitive design, and also has worked for the West Butte Wind Power Project. State biologists say the wind project could do irreversible damage to a nearby population of sage grouse, a species that is being considered for protection under the Endangered Species Act."

So....Kitzhaber's significant other worked on the Metolian project, one of two resorts at the center of the fight this last session to protect the Metolius. Hasina Squires was the lobbyist for the Metolian, and the focus of a previous post by Carla alleging that Squires fed false stories about Larry Galizio and Betsey Johnson to the press, etc.

One question...did Kitzhaber ever take a public position on the legislation to protect the Metolius? If not, did Cylvia Hayes's involvement with the Metolian have anything to do with that?

The other paragraph:

"Asked whether she'd consider being a state department head under Kitzhaber, Hayes did not rule it out. Nor did Kitzhaber, saying, “I haven't given any thought” to whom he'd hire for his administration if he wins. “I gotta win the election first,” he said."

One, didn't know that Hayes may be considered to head a state department under Kitzhaber. If so, think that should be openly discussed in the campaign. Two, kinda surprised that Kitzhaber hasn't given some thought to whom he'd hire, given he actually served two terms and should have some ideas about how to get things done in Salem.

ive never seen a video where the person talks so much but says so little.

im sure she would get some kickback contracts from government agencies if kitzhaber became governor.

I've got a friend who is an uber uber progressive lesbian, ceremonialist, elder and wise friend. Truly stands still to love any old beat up horse we each might truly be. Understanding, saucy, peppery and not weak.

And her mate is about as RED as they come, fundamentalist to boot... ah jeez.

And yet, somehow, beyond the steady stream of loud, vituperative talkradio rant from her mate, she loves her and does not let that stop her from being exactly who SHE is all blue and a haven...

How is it that red and blue love and live together?

They make purple.

Eh.

GAG. The woman babbles. Bummer.

I agree with Posted by: rw | Oct 6, 2009 7:56:59 PM

This topic sounds like falling into the Rove trap. Let's not discuss issues--"political junkies" aren't interested in boring stuff like that?

Let's discuss Kitzhaber's girlfriend, Bradbury's MS, and who on earth this Shield character is--after all, gossip is the coin of the political realm?

There are people in this state who are thrilled to get an intelligent part time job (not a lot of pay, no benefits, but at least a job) in this economy, but what really matters is speculation about someone's girlfriend?

Jeff Mapes has a post about Frank Morse considering running for Gov. He served on the Public Comm. on the Legislature AND the Revenue Restructuring Task Force. I don't agree with his entire voting record, but to use the old Mark Russell joke, he is a "card carrying serious person".

That seems to be an alien concept to some of the folks who make a living in politics/journalism.

Max Cleland was on NPR today talking about his new book. He was so slimed by Karl Rove that even Chuck Hagel protested the nasty ads as insulting to a fellow Vietnam vet.

Are Democrats trying to imitate Karl Rove? Really built up the GOP, didn't he?

Let's have some posts on serious issues. For instance, what is the current Gov. and legislature doing to help returning veterans, what do the candidates propose, and isn't retired Cong. Darlene Hooley raising money for scholarships for Guard troops who fell through the cracks of the new GI Bill?

LT wrote: I agree with Posted by: rw | Oct 6, 2009 7:56:59 PM

This topic sounds like falling into the Rove trap. Let's not discuss issues--"political junkies" aren't interested in boring stuff like that?

Let's discuss Kitzhaber's girlfriend, Bradbury's MS, and who on earth this Shield character is--after all, gossip is the coin of the political realm?

Oh spare us the sanctimonious holier than thou preaching.

And don't try to tell us that gums wouldn't be flapping here at Blue Oregon if a similar situation existed for a Republican gubernatorial candidate.

Actually, if Frank Morse can explain why he supported that lame Back to Basics budget in the 2009 session, I would consider him to be a serious candidate for Gov.

I have long wanted to see the Public Comm. on the Legislature report and the Revenue Restructuring Task Force report made part of the Gov. campaign debate. Who better to do that than someone who served on both bodies?

Call me any name you want, but I don't think "gums flapping" solves problems. It is just gossip. I will vote for the candidate who provides us with the most intelligent debate.

Anyone who doesn't like that attitude doesn't want my vote.

Hey, it's "Boobie Wednesday" on Twitter. That's an intro that's commensurate with voters' attention spans.

Carla, don't you twitter?

http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23boobiewednesday

Kari, since this is your day to edit off topic talk, I have to ask when you are going to get over here to the "wildly off topic" comment, above, by The Beav?

I like Our Lord, but, after all, fair's fair, sir.

;)

I've known Cylvia Hayes for almost 10 years and I can say unequivocally, that her quote, "“I was green way before green was cool,” is not just words, it's how she has lived her life.

To insinuate that there is "going to be a problem" with her business, 3E Strategies, continuing to do business with the State of Oregon when Kitzhaber becomes governor, is ridiculous as she has established herself one of the foremost experts on sustainability issues. She had a state contract long before Kitzhaber put his hat into the gubernatorial race. And I may add, it was a competitive bid.

It would do Oregon a disservice, and for green-leaning democrats to use semantics trying to insinuate that she is using her long-standing relationship with Kitzhaber to further her agenda. Cylvia has had an agenda in this arena for a long time: "To accelerate the transition to sustainable building, energy and economic practices."

She is arguably one of the most consistent people I know.

I don't see existing 3E Strategies contracts with the State of Oregon a looming potential problem.

Katherine: do you know of any vids she may have that look less like empty spin from a very high view and give a more substantive accounting of her actual work? That really was empty, the one Carla found. And I'm not for or against her, nor particularly interested in trumping up an issue that is not yet there.

That might be worth introducing to the thread or devoting its own thread.

Consider it!

Sorry if I didn't spell it out. (And it is a worthwhile cause, BTW).

Does this help Kitz? Is it what Oregonians are listening for? I was mightily impressed with Kucinich's SO, but some used that against him. Hard to imagine the logic- hence my interest in the mechanics of this story and subsequent attempt at a query. Maybe I'm just a sucker for an Essex girl and this is totally different. I think not, though.

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