The Oregon Republican Party passed the Transparency and Accountability in Oregon Politics Resolution, at its spring convention on June 27.
Kevin Hoar, communications director of the ORP stated in a letter to delegates after the convention, “This isn’t just a statement. It is just the beginning of a movement that will transform state government in Oregon and could help bring Republican leadership to our state’s highest offices.”
In reference to these GOP transparency efforts, House Joint Resolution 31 is currently being considered, but stuck in the Senate’s Rules Committee. It would authorize impeachment powers for the House of Representatives, and impeached individuals would be tried in the Senate just like federal impeachment proceedings. Currently, Oregon is the only state in the nation in which the Legislature has no impeachment authority for all Oregon elected or appointed officials. HJR 31 vests the power of impeachment with the Oregon Legislature for malfeasance in office, corruption, neglect of duty or other high crime or misdemeanor.
In reference to HJR 31, former Tillamook County commissioner Chuck Hurliman recently noted, “In 1912, a constitutional initiative was passed by the people of Oregon. This action changed Oregon’s Constitution to allow any person the ability to bring forward charges of corruption against elected judges. It was not called an impeachment process. It would simply be a court with 12 jurors. If the majority said the individual was guilty he was out.”
This bill (HJR 31) and others (SB 940, SB 853 and SB 852) were promulgated by media and other individual attempts to acquire email and other documents from the former Governor’s office through the federal Freedom of Information Act during the last election. Those efforts were stalled until after the election when deleterious information finally came to light concerning the former Governor and his first lady that led to his resignation.
To her credit, current Governor Kate Brown has publicly stated in her State of the State Address on April 17 of this year, “Oregonians have had cause to question their trust in state government. The steps I have proposed will foster transparency and accountability. That is the best way to demonstrate our commitment to restoring credibility in the aftermath of the recent turmoil.”
If this and other transparency legislation reaches her desk I hope she signs it. This would be a genuine first step at accountability for state officials of any party. There is a big “if” with that statement. HJR 31 needs to get out of the Senate to her desk. It now lies in the Senate Rules Committee. The members of this committee are: Sen. Lee Beyer, Sen. Brian Boquist, President Pro Tempore Ginny Burdick, Sen. Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli, vice-chair and Sen. Democratic Leader Diane Rosenbaum, Chair.
You can read the resolution here:
Transparency & Accountability Resolution A – 6-27-15
Transparency & Accountability Resolution B – 6-27-15
Yours In Liberty,
Thomas M. Donohue
Chairman, Tillamook County Republican Central Committee
The Tillamook County Republican Central Committee is a registered Political Action Committee with the Oregon Secretary of State’s office. Its stated purpose is to “Support Republican candidates and ideals.” Learn more by calling 503-965-9970.