Investigation Launched into Former Sewer CEO’s Lavish Spending
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission has ignited a firestorm of scrutiny, voting unanimously to investigate Diane Taniguchi-Dennis, the former CEO of Clean Water Services in Washington County. This decision follows numerous allegations of extravagant expenditures on local meals and travel, funded by taxpayers.
The Root of the Controversy
The commission’s action comes in the wake of a preliminary review initiated in March, which revealed troubling details about Taniguchi-Dennis’s spending habits. The investigation gained traction after The Oregonian/OregonLive published findings showcasing *lavish travel and eye-popping food expenses associated with her leadership.
Complaints and Findings
At least ten complaints against Taniguchi-Dennis have prompted this thorough inquiry. Notably, it was reported that Clean Water Services, the second-largest sewer agency in the state, spent $440,000 on local and travel meals over five years—an astonishing four times the combined expenditures of its metro counterparts. Among those costs, Taniguchi-Dennis was noted to have dined on meals totaling $5,100 in under two years with her executive team.
The Investigation Unfolds
While the commission’s vote to investigate does not inherently confirm any ethical violations, it underscores a belief that existing evidence is compelling enough to warrant further scrutiny. Investigator Andrew McIntyre’s remarks suggested significant concerns regarding Taniguchi-Dennis’s handling of funds, particularly alleging potential conflicts of interest and improper use of her office.
Legal Defense and New Evidence
In defense of Taniguchi-Dennis, her lawyer, Bob Steringer, presented additional information aimed at dismissing the allegations. While some commissioners found this new data useful, they emphasized the need for a comprehensive vetting before concluding the matter.
Extravagant Travel Costs
McIntyre’s investigation also zeroed in on Taniguchi-Dennis’s extravagant travel escapades to Hawaii, revealing that her trips often exceeded $90,000 over three years. These trips not only involved luxurious accommodations but also first-class airfare, with one 2023 conference trip costing nearly $8,400.
Taniguchi-Dennis defended her hotel choices, asserting that her specific needs necessitated different accommodations, citing ADA compliance. However, McIntyre raised eyebrows by suggesting that her lodging expenses could have been two to six times higher than other available options.
Local Meal Expenses Under Scrutiny
Notably troubling were findings indicating that Taniguchi-Dennis may have improperly charged Clean Water Services for personal meal expenses that were not budgeted, demonstrating a potential misuse of resources. McIntyre’s incomplete record findings raised additional questions about whether these meals fell within the guidelines of her compensation.
New Policies and Oversight Measures
Responding to growing public outcry, the Washington County sewer board approved new oversight measures, demanding Taniguchi-Dennis develop a plan to restore trust within the community. This plan ultimately led to her resignation in May, effective June 6, and further reinforced calls for accountability.
Moving Forward
The commission’s investigation is expected to unfold over the next six months, leading to possible findings of violation, settlement discussions, or case dismissal. Meanwhile, Rick Shanley has stepped in as the acting CEO to guide Clean Water Services through this turbulent period.
The implications of this investigation resonate well beyond the walls of the agency, stirring conversations about ethics, transparency, and accountability in public office. As the saga continues, one question looms large: how can agencies ensure responsible stewardship of public resources while maintaining integrity?
For ongoing updates on this story and more developments in the realm of government ethics, stay tuned to The Oregonian/OregonLive.
Read more about government ethics in Oregon here.
