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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend February 16, 2007 Ethics commission to debate penalties Several Oregon legislators and a lobbyist would face fines for failing to report trips to Hawaii funded by beer, wine distributors The Associated Press SALEM — Lobbyist Paul Romain would pay $4,100 in fines and five legislators who joined him on trips to Hawaii, including Sen. Jason Atkinson of Central Point, would pay lesser penalties under a proposed settlement the state ethics commission will decide whether to approve today. The Oregon Beer & Wine Distributors Association paid $18,000 to host seven Republicans and Democrats at a Maui resort in 2002 and 2004. Romain, the lobbyist for the beer and wine group, failed to report the legislators' trips to the ethics commission, as required by law. The legislators also neglected to report their treats until The Oregonian newspaper disclosed them last year. Ronald Bersin, the ethics commission's executive director, said Romain faces stiffer penalties because he failed to notify the lawmakers of what was being spent on them, as required by law. "If they don't provide notice to the public officials, the public official is going to have a very difficult time reporting them," Bersin said. The proposed settlements call for the seven legislators to pay a total of $2,100 in civil penalties for 14 violations, or $150 a violation. Advertisement The five proposed civil penalties made public Wednesday include three current and former senators who attended the 2002 conference: former Sen. Tony Corcoran, D-Cottage Grove, $150; Sen. Ryan Deckert, D-Beaverton, $150; and Sen. Bruce Starr, R-Hillsboro, $300. Two others would pay for violations in connection with the 2004 conference: former Rep. Derrick Kitts, R-Hillsboro, $450; and House Minority Leader Wayne Scott, R-Canby, $450. Proposals calling for Atkinson, R-Central Point, to pay $150 and for Sen. David Nelson, R-Pendleton, to pay $450 were made public last week. Nothing in state law prohibits lawmakers from using campaign money to pay the civil penalties. Kitts, Nelson and Scott would pay penalties for accepting two rounds of golf worth $145 apiece in 2004. While state law allows public officials to receive lodging and travel of any value for office-related events, they cannot accept entertainment or other gifts worth more than $100. For Starr, $150 of the proposed settlement would be for his failing to report a November 2005 trip to Israel that was provided by the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. Corcoran told The Oregonian he "relied in good faith on Paul Romain's advice," and shouldn't have. Nick Smith, Scott's spokesman, said he would make a statement today if the settlements are approved. In another proposed settlement made public Wednesday, Rep. Karen Minnis, R-Wood Village, would pay $400 for failing to report three trips and an Oregon Association of Realtors event from 2003 to 2005. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Entertainment Guide Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Men's Clothing Debt Help