Ethics Commission reviewing complaints regarding Oregon’s First Spouse

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Oregon Government Ethics Commission has informed Gov. Tina Kotek that it is unable to advise her on the appropriate roles of a First Spouse because it is already investigating multiple complaints related to the duties her wife Aimee Kotek Wilson assumed after Gov. Kotek took office in January of 2023, according to a letter obtained by KOIN 6 News.

On April 5, Gov. Kotek’s office requested advice from the Ethics Commission regarding the appropriate roles of a First Spouse in Oregon after it was revealed that her wife attends government staff meetings, has a state-paid advisor and an office in the state library. In a letter to Kotek’s Interim Chief of Staff Chris Warner, Oregon Government Ethics Commission Director Susan Myers said that the commission is in the preliminary stage of reviewing the complaints related to Kotek Wilson’s government status, as first reported by Oregon Capital Chronicle.

“As you are aware, the commission has received complaints relating to these issues and has opened a case in preliminary review,” Myers said in the letter. “Because the questions raised in your request relate to issues that may be addressed in the preliminary review case, the commission cannot provide any guidance, advice, or opinions at this time.”

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Kotek’s Interim Chief of Staff Chris Warner told the Ethics Commission on April 5 that the Governor’s Office previously asked the National Governors Association to review the role of First Spouse in states where the position already exists.

“We have learned that the modern role of the First Spouse or Partner envisions spouses and partners using their official positions to support the Governor’s priorities or otherwise advance initiatives consistent with a Governor’s vision,” Warner’s letter said. “Regardless of party affiliation or gender identity, the Governor’s spouse or partner serves a role as a public official to serve all Oregonians. That role should be clearly defined and transparent.”

However, it appears the governor’s office didn’t formally consult the ethics commission on the matter until an ethical issue existed, according to the letters. As a result, the governor’s office will have to wait for the Ethics Commission to complete its current review before it can receive the requested guidance, according to Myers’ response to Warner on Friday.

“Once the case before the commission has been resolved, the commission will, of course, provide the advice and guidance and answer the questions raised in your request,” Myers said in the letter. “If you need further clarification regarding this matter or the commission’s procedures, please feel free to contact me directly.”

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Kotek Wilson’s involvement in government meetings allegedly caused three of Kotek’s top aides to resign, Willamette Week first reported.

Kotek Wilson does not receive a salary as Oregon’s First Partner. The governor’s office confirmed that the First Lady has been sitting in on staff meetings that focus on behavioral health, which are related to Kotek Wilson’s master’s degree in social work.

“Just to be clear, she is an unpaid volunteer with both lived and professional experience on an issue that is important to Oregonians,” Kotek said. “How do you do that within ethical norms guidance? That’s why we’re seeking that from the ethics commission.”

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