*The Oregon Government Ethics Commission on Friday agreed to ask another state agency to probe allegations of ethics violations against its executive director, as commissioners debate the best way to combat what they describe as a rise in* ***politically-motivated complaints.***

*On Monday, leaders of the League of Oregon Cities, Association of Oregon Counties, Special Districts Association of Oregon and Oregon Community College Association* [*wrote a scathing letter to the commission*](https://www.oregon.gov/ogec/about-us/Documents/Commission%20Meetings/Meeting%20Book%20Materials/2026/2026.07.10-Supp-Materials-Local-Governent-Joint-Letter-07.06.2026.pdf) *blasting the leadership of Myers and her handling of the issue. They complained about shifting guidance the commission has offered on “serial communications” and the ability for local elected officials to communicate with news media and members of the public.*

*The local organizations’ letter cited commission data showing total fines from public meetings law cases have remained flat over the past two years, despite overall cases rising dramatically.*

*Payne \[of OEC\] said that “seems very inconsistent with their statement that we’re overpenalizing individuals at the front and being unfair to these public bodies.”*

Director of Oregon ethics commission to face external inquiry into alleged ethics violations