Lawmaker faces criticism over questionable land sale

Lawmaker faces criticism over questionable land sale

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Story Published: May 31, 2007 at 7:11 PM PDT

Story Updated: Sep 12, 2007 at 8:55 AM PDT

By Associated Press

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PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - State Senator Betsy Johnson says she failed to disclose the sale of 36 acres of farmland near an airport in her home town of Scappoose just before she proposed a bill to promote special airport access.

Johnson bought the land in 2004 and sold it three months later to a developer for a $119,000 profit.

Before the deal closed, Johnson introduced a bill to promote special airport access for private landowners - something the developer needed to turn the land into an industrial park catering to the aviation business.

Johnson, a Scappoose Democrat, failed to disclose her ownership and the sale as state law requires.

Johnson reported the deal to the Oregon Government Standards and Practices Commission after being interviewed by The Oregonian. The commission will investigate.

Johnson said there was nothing improper about the land sale, but her admission comes at a time when Oregon lawmakers are under increased scrutiny for ethical lapses. 

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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