Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Another GOP Rep has M37 conflict of interest

Last week we posted the short list of legislators who appear to have marginal to serious conflicts of interest when it comes to Measure 37. Interestingly, all of the legislators in question so far are Republicans.

The latest name on the list is (gasp!) also a Republican: State Senator Roger Beyer (R-Molalla).

Beyer is listed in the Oregon Blue Book as managing partner of Beyer Tree Farm through 2005. I'm not sure how often the Blue Book is updated, but the Secretary of State's office has Beyer listed as a "registrant" on the Business Registry. I'm still working on determining Beyer's exact role with the business.

As you've probably guessed by now, Beyer Tree Farm has a Measure 37 claim. As does Roy Beyer, who is also listed on the Business Registry for Beyer Tree Farm as the authorized representative (aka the person you call when you want to contact the business). Presumably he's a close relative of Roger.

I visited earlier this week with some folks in Salem about the rules on what to do in these situations. Each legislator is required to vote "yes" or "no" on legislation (unless they are off the floor during the vote, apparently). However, all legislators are required to file a conflict of interest letter with their chamber.

Thus we should be expecting to see a flutter of conflict of interest letters coming soon. Both chambers have the exact requirements for committees and the floor.

From the Senate rules:

3.33 Announcement of Conflict of Interest.
(1) When involved in a potential conflict of interest as defined by ORS 244.020, a member shall
announce, on the Senate floor or in the committee meeting, the nature of the potential conflict prior
to voting on the issue giving rise to the potential conflict.


Sanctions for not filing can include a reprimand, censure or expulsion.

From the House Rules:

3.21 Announcement of Conflict of Interest. (1) When involved in an actual or potential conflict of
interest, as defined by ORS 244.020, a member shall announce, on the floor or in the committee meeting,
the nature of the potential conflict prior to voting on the issue giving rise to the potential conflict.


I didn't find the sanctions for failing to declare in the House, so I'll be asking about that this week.