Commissioners Main and Parry have been fined for illegally entering into executive sessions while deliberating over candidates to fill two elected positions. The sessions occurred January 14 and May 10 and the Oregon Government Ethics Commission has fined Main $100 for both sessions and Parry has been fined $50 for the May session. Main has referred to these violations as a “technical difficulty” but in a statement released by the county today the he says, “I take full responsibility for what occurred.”
It is believed that OGEC is still investigating complaints filed regarding a May 17 executive session held prior to the “do over” deliberations performed by Main and Parry to select Fred Messerle. As you may recall, Messerle was already sitting in the commissioners chair during the public deliberations indicating a decision had been reached behind closed doors.
UPDATE
The stipulated order for Main, signed September 17, 2011 is available here
The stipulated order for Parry, signed September 28, 2011 is available here
Hi, Pirate, the fines just more or less formalize the verdict. The only information on the press release, which was not sent on official county stationary and signed (and clearly written by Main) relates to Main and Parry. The official judgment should be in my mail box tomorrow and if the lawyers are included I will update this post.
Quite interesting.
I wonder about the deterrent value of these fines.
My question is, who will actually pay the fine. Will the Commissioners pay it personally or will it be paid on their behalf from County funds.
themguys makes a good point. Does anything happen to the County Attorney for providing bad guidance?
Finally, will the public be invited to future events, or, will they simply pay these nominal fines as another cost of dong business.
It’s sometimes easier to say I’m sorry than to ask permission. A modern rule of business in America, sadly.
And I raised my kids NOT to lie, cheat or steal.
Did I create food for the sharks? Sometimes it sure feels that way.
That is ridiculous, like an oil spill fine. It is cheaper to dump your crap in the river and pay the fine than to take care of it properly. This won’t stop ’em from further violations
My understanding is the maximum fine is $1,000 which is still a small amount of money in my opinion. The real consequence, however, is that the offender is marked for having broken the law.
Finally the right thing has been done! $100 fine, excuse me?
I thought things would get better at the Coquille White house, but it Doesn’t appear to be happening.That old saying (smile things could be worse,so we smiled and sure enough things got worse.)
Wasn’t the County Attorney involved? Does she get a free pass for her incorrect advice, or worse, for her participation?