What should I do if I suspect someone of violating Oregon Government Ethics, Executive Session, or Lobbying Regulation law?
You may want to contact the Oregon Government Ethics Commission first to discuss your concerns with a staff member to determine if the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Commission. Please be aware that your complaint will not be anonymous. The subject of any complaint is provided a copy of the complaint in its entirety, including the name of the person filing the complaint. If you do file a complaint, please be specific. Explain exactly what actions were taken, or exactly what occurred, that you believe violated the law. Because the initial review period is very short, the Commission usually cannot expand it to include actions that were not initially listed in the complaint.
As much as possible, provide dates (or a timeframe) during which the alleged violation occurred. The OGEC can only open a preliminary review if the complaint contains allegations of conduct that occurred within the last four years.
When possible, also provide documentation. For example, if the allegation is failure to declare a conflict of interest, include meeting minutes that record the discussion preceding the vote in question. Due to the short initial review period, the OGEC may not have time to acquire records before the review period expires. The Commission's decision about whether or not there is a sufficient basis to move the complaint forward may be based in large part on the documentation you provide.