Kelley Wirth pads the payroll(disgraced Oregon lawmaker)

The Oregonian ^ | November 11, 2005 | editors

[crazyhorse691]

Now we know why disgraced legislator Kelley Wirth didn't resign immediately last month when she got busted for alleged methamphetamine possession: She needed a little more time to drain every last dollar from her taxpayer-funded office budget in the Oregon House.

Wirth did it by quadrupling her spending on staff pay, including a handsome raise for her mom as a "legislative assistant."

The Corvallis Democrat's brazen grab for cash does more than add to the ignominy of her impending departure from the Legislature. It also raises a good question: Why are Oregon lawmakers even allowed to put their mothers or other relatives on the payroll?

Such hiring has been customary for decades in the state capital. Typically, a state representative or senator will hire a spouse as office manager or aide, collecting a state-paid salary from an operational kitty that each lawmaker receives.

It's public-payroll nepotism, yes, but a widely accepted practice in the Oregon Legislature. The rationale is that it helps make up for the meager pay received by our citizen lawmakers, who must sacrifice financially to serve the state.

In Wirth's case, the arrangement looks suspect. Records show she has paid her mother, Kathleen Panknin, as a legislative aide for more than two years. But unlike Wirth's other aides, Mom was not seen working at Wirth's Capitol office during the session.

Familial featherbedding? Maybe, maybe not. Regardless, it looks bad. And it's one of the reasons the federal government prohibits such hiring by members of Congress.

U.S. senators and representatives make respectable salaries, though, so the Oregon comparison isn't entirely fair. Even so, Wirth's blatant payroll padding spotlights the essential wisdom of the congressional anti-nepotism policy.

Outrage over her case also comes at a propitious time: A public commission is considering ways to create a more effective and professional Legislature. Among many promising reforms, this panel is examining the notion that legislators must be paid better. Now they receive only $1,437 a month plus $99 per diem when the Legislature is in session. That's a clear obstacle to attracting Oregon's best and brightest to service in Salem.

Wirth was once looked upon as an Oregonian of that caliber. She joined the Legislature four years ago as a well-educated, articulate young woman with deep knowledge of local planning issues and a passion for children and families.

But two years ago, beset with personal problems, she began a descent into chronic absenteeism and erratic behavior that culminated last week in her plea of not guilty to a felony drug charge.

Then came Wednesday's report that Wirth, just days after her drug bust, raised her mother's monthly pay from $3,000 to $3,500, then raised it again to $6,500 a month on Nov. 1.

Fellow Democrats have asked Wirth to rescind the raises. Don't hold your breath, though, because she doesn't have to. No rules were broken. Oregon's legislative reform panel should be taking note of this.

Meanwhile, Wirth's resignation is effective Tuesday, a day that can't arrive too soon.

[crazyhorse691]

Bad year for Oregon lawmakers. One republican serving time for converting campaign cash to private use and now a democrat charged with meth possession. Wirths descent ended with a accusation of sexual harrasement by a workplace janitor, her attempted murder by the janitors girlfriend, her drug charge(meth found in her car), the firing of a local newscaster(she claimed they were lovers), her letter of resignation, and now padding the payroll. Hollywierd couldn't write a script this good or disgusting.

[clee1]

The entire Western Coast IS the "far left coast". Can you imagine the hew and cry if Republicans did this?

[proudpapa]

Looks like another 'wirthless' Hillary supporter is headed for prison.

[Jacquerie]

I lean toward paying elected reps not very much. More Cincinnatus, less Boss Hogg.

Before our county commissioners started making $70k plus gold plated medical and retirement, they lasted a term or two. Now they protect their well salaried, gerrymandered positions like union thugs.

[Salvation]

**The Corvallis Democrat's brazen grab for cash **

Another dimocrat bites the dust.

[Salvation]

Oregon Ping

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[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

Nothing to see here. Only a politician, in America 2005 AD. Let us move on!

[Grampa Dave]

This loser had it all. Now we find out about her illegal drug useage.

[Grampa Dave]

This loser had it all. Now we find out about her illegal drug useage.

[Grampa Dave]

Thanks for the ping.