State says ex-board director took pricey gifts

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon officials say the executive director of the Oregon Educators Benefits Board accepted pricey meals and gifts from insurance and consulting firms during his eight months on the job.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports (http://bit.ly/2gSryZ4 ) that the board director, James Raussen, was placed on paid leave in September and resigned earlier this month.

The Oregon Health Authority released documents Monday in response to a public records request by the Oregonian/OregonLive and other media outlets. Some of the documents say Raussen went out of his way in state vehicles to attend wine tastings in Hood River and Walla Walla, then inaccurately told officials he had paid his own way.

Raussen could not be reached for comment.

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Information from: The Oregonian/OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com