Multnomah County, Oregon is known for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and progressive politics. However, like any other county in the United States, it has had its fair share of political scandals that have rocked the community and made national headlines. From corruption to sexual misconduct, these scandals have left a lasting impact on the county's political landscape.
The Rise and Fall of Neil Goldschmidt
One of the most infamous political scandals in Multnomah County's history involves former Governor Neil Goldschmidt. In 2004, Goldschmidt admitted to having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl while he was mayor of Portland in the 1970s.This revelation shocked the community and tarnished Goldschmidt's once-promising political career. The scandal came to light when the victim, now an adult, decided to come forward and share her story. Goldschmidt initially denied the allegations but eventually confessed to the crime. He resigned from his position as chairman of the Oregon Board of Higher Education and disappeared from public life. The Goldschmidt scandal not only exposed a dark secret but also raised questions about the culture of silence and cover-up in Oregon's political circles. It also sparked a conversation about the need for stricter laws to protect minors from sexual predators in positions of power.
The Corruption Case Against Jeff Cogen
In 2013, Multnomah County was rocked by another political scandal involving then-County Chair Jeff Cogen.Cogen was accused of having an extramarital affair with a county employee and using his position to benefit her financially. The scandal came to light when Cogen's former lover filed a complaint against him, alleging that he had used county funds to pay for their trips and hotel stays. The scandal not only exposed Cogen's unethical behavior but also raised concerns about the lack of oversight and accountability in the county's government. Cogen eventually resigned from his position, and the county launched an investigation into his actions. He was later fined $5,000 for violating county ethics rules and was forced to pay back the money he had spent on his affair.
The Fall of Loretta Smith
In 2018, Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith was embroiled in a political scandal involving allegations of workplace harassment and discrimination. A former employee accused Smith of creating a hostile work environment and retaliating against her when she reported the harassment. The scandal not only damaged Smith's reputation but also highlighted the need for better policies and procedures to address workplace harassment in the county's government.It also sparked a conversation about the lack of diversity and inclusion in Multnomah County's leadership. Smith denied the allegations and refused to resign from her position. However, she lost her bid for re-election in 2018, and the county eventually settled the lawsuit with her former employee for $250,000.
The Controversy Surrounding Ted Wheeler
In 2020, Multnomah County was once again in the national spotlight due to the ongoing protests against police brutality and racial injustice. The county's mayor, Ted Wheeler, faced intense criticism for his handling of the protests, with many accusing him of being out of touch with the community's needs. Wheeler's leadership during this time was marred by controversy, including his decision to use tear gas on protesters and his failure to address systemic racism within the Portland Police Bureau. The protests also exposed deep divisions within the county, with some residents supporting Wheeler's actions and others calling for his resignation. The controversy surrounding Wheeler not only highlighted the ongoing issues of police brutality and racial injustice but also raised questions about the effectiveness of the county's leadership in addressing these issues.The Impact of Political Scandals on Multnomah County
These political scandals have had a significant impact on Multnomah County, both in terms of its reputation and its political landscape.They have eroded public trust in the county's government and exposed systemic issues that need to be addressed. However, these scandals have also sparked important conversations and led to changes that aim to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. They have also shown the resilience of the community and its ability to hold its leaders accountable.
