Wow, I'm surprised that the Boregonian mentioned that Betsey is a Democrat. Usually they leave the political party out unless a Republican is involved.

↑ Same here. I think it's really important that voters from both parties recognize these types of politicians and take steps to oust them, no matter which party the politicians belong to. Protecting people like this just because they have a certain letter following their name is bad for everyone.

Crooked politicians come in all sizes, shapes, gender(s) and political affiliations.
The whole mess out here in the hinterland (Columbia County)is not at all different than the messes in the so-called "metro area".
The growth in Columbia County during the last 15 years has been large, fast and loose and I am surprised there isn't more reported coruption. It is probably because we are still off the radar out here. Betsey Johnson may be just the tip of the perverbial iceberg.
Keep watching...

Betsy's tentacles are entwined with her husband John Helm's business, Transwestern Aviation, at the Scappoose airport and all the development that has gone on. She's used her political power to stifle competition at the airport and cut sweetheart land deals while lining her pockets. She should have recused herself from many, many votes on aviation matters, but instead made sure everything came down to benefit her and her husband.

They said she was on a hot track for Governor. I hope she's on a hot track for the Federal Pen in Sheridan.

Former Legislative Counsel, Greg Chaimov, acting as This Person's personal attorney. That one should raise a red flag.

Picture Linda Meng acting as personal counsel for Mr. Sten or Mr. Blackmer . . . with the same vigor whether she is the city attorney or not . . . and you should get the idea. ("Office lawyers are prohibited from providing legal advice to the public or to parties other than the municipal corporation of the City of Portland." . . . including its elected officials where there are actual conflicts of interest between them and the city?)

It's A Small World -- in our Disneyland -- or is that our SimCityLand?

I,m confused. Linda Meng has been acting as personal attorney for every hair brained proposal from all of them, hasn't she.

I'd like more details on Chaimov 's firing. Will he try to use his privilege as This Person's private attorney to keep his mouth shut as to details while he served as legislative council? Surely he possess unique knowledge (and culpability as to official advice on the legality of X Y and Z legislative proposals). "I call Mr. Chaimov as a witness . . "

Imagine if Ms. Meng demanded, on behalf of the city, that Mr. Sten return his campaign contribution from the CoP PAC? He could say "You're Fired," with gusto (or later? you're not hired). Some things are best addressed by outside council, for obvious reasons and as provided for in statutes, where the public body's attorney refuses to take the side of an elected official.

There seems to be no constraint, other than will, on the FBI to dig up family secrets.

Why would the O exclude a reference to Chaimov's prior employment? It surely is not irrelevant, is it? Is it material too?

Wasn't Mr. Jaquiss from WW all over the Senator's case about a year ago?

One thing for SURE! When Johnson hired Stephen Houze, you know there's BIG TROUBLE AHEAD!

Nigel Jaquiss did a couple stories on land deals around the airport that Johnson was involved in and also broke the news of the FBI investigation a month or so ago.

Wow! Now there are 3 (in)famous people from Scappoose! I'm so proud.

Unmentioned, of course, is the fact that nothing in the article suggests that Senator Johnson did anything wrong. Not that this is necessary in order to pillory someone these days. But it might be worth keeping in mind.

nothing in the article suggests that Senator Johnson did anything wrong

Kind of begs for a definition of "wrong", and maybe "did".