Political Cortex: Brain Food for the Body Politic

"Resignations struck across dozens of Oregon cities.  Small city councils and planning commissions suffered the greatest number of losses."

Why would the losses hit hardest here?

When property zone decisions are made, millions of dollars can suddenly become available to the "lucky" real estate owner.  It works this way.  A parcel of land is purchased at a price that is often determined by land use, either residential or business.

If a lot is bought for a single family residence and then a zoning decision is made to allow a 4 unit apartment house to be constructed, the land value of the property jumps.  If 4, 5 or 6 single family vacant lots are bought and a city zoning commission later approved them to become a high rise condo project, the real estate investor's profits skyrocket.

If a city commissioner revealed his or her real estate assets, or the assets of relatives, it could instantly expose if there was what is legally called "conflict of interest" deals whereby certain commissioners were making deals to make money in real estate zoning changes for themselves or their relatives.

Therefore, rather than reveal their assets, income sources, or name their relatives whose assets could be quickly ascertained, they resigned in droves - 150 of Oregon's officeholders.  

Could it be that these 150 officials were hastily exiting their offices, knowing if the source of their income linked them to deals they made, they could be liable to lawsuits because of conflicts of interest?

Oregon must be congratulated in passing an ethical policy law that could drive cheating deal makers on Oregon's city and county commissions out of office.