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Trainer warns officials against using office resources or position for private gain
Summary
Esparza told Astoria officials that using one's official position or resources for private advantage—parking an RV on government property, using printers for a private business, or taking surplus equipment without public notice—can constitute prohibited use of office under ORS 244.
At the work session, Esparza said prohibited use of office covers any use of position for personal financial gain or avoidance of expense that would not be available but for the public position. "You as a public official cannot use your official position for financial gain," he said, and gave examples including parking an RV on county property or using government printers to produce private-business flyers.
He explained the line between permitted and prohibited conduct: if a facility or item is available to the public on the same terms then it is not a prohibited use, but if an item is effectively available only because of the official's position it likely is. Esparza also listed common exceptions (official compensation, reimbursements, honoraria under specified limits) and advised that records of disclosures or supervisory instructions be maintained in public records where required.
