Ethics panel finds ex-Gov. Kitzhaber guilty of 10 violations

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – The Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted unanimously Friday to find former Gov. John Kitzhaber guilty of 10 ethics violations.

The preliminary finding means that Kitzhaber can appeal. The former governor resigned in 2015 amid accusations of influence peddling involving his fiancee, Cylvia Hayes of Bend.

Kitzhaber has admitted allegations he failed to publicly declare a potential conflict of interest between his elected position and Hayes’ work as a clean energy consultant.

The ethics commission recently rejected a proposal that he be fined $1,000, with some members believing it was too low and that the former Democratic governor hasn’t shown sufficient contrition.