SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Government Ethics Commission has opened a preliminary investigation into the consulting work of Gov. John Kitzhaber’s fiancee, Cylvia Hayes.
The commission held its first meeting Friday since it received three complaints about Hayes’ work as a private consultant. The preliminary investigation will determine whether the commission should proceed with a full-fledged inquiry that could lead to sanctions.
The commission also rejected Kitzhaber’s request for an advisory opinion about whether ethics laws apply to Hayes. Officials say the questions asked last month by the governor’s office will be addressed in the investigation.
Kitzhaber says Hayes carefully avoided conflicts of interest. Among those who filed ethics complaints were the Republican state party and a Republican state representative.
