This document establishes the expectations, standards, and obligations of all individuals participating in the authorized investigation referenced in the Board Resolution dated April 8, 2026 and announced to the public April 9, 2026
The intent of this document is to ensure that the investigation is conducted fairly, consistently, and in alignment with both organizational values and applicable law.
Commitment to Fairness and Impartiality
All members of the Special Investigation Team and all participants in the investigative process shall conduct themselves with neutrality, professionalism, and impartiality.
- No conclusions shall be formed prior to the full review of evidence.
- All individuals involved shall be treated with dignity and respect.
- The investigation shall seek facts, not outcomes.
- Personal bias, prior conflict, or external pressure shall not influence investigative conduct.
Any potential conflict of interest must be disclosed immediately, and appropriate recusal shall be observed where necessary.
Robust and Good-Faith Discovery Process
The investigation shall include a thorough and good-faith effort to identify, collect, and review all relevant information.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Financial records, communications, and internal documentation
- Ballots, tally records, and election-related materials
- Policies, procedures, and governing documents
- Testimony and statements from involved or knowledgeable individuals
Investigators are expected to:
- Follow evidence where it reasonably leads
- Avoid selective inclusion or exclusion of relevant materials
- Maintain accurate records of materials reviewed and actions taken
- Ensure that all findings are supported by documented evidence
The discovery process must be conducted in a manner that is transparent to the Board, while maintaining required confidentiality protections.
Opportunity for Participation and Interviews
All individuals who are the subject of the investigation, as well as relevant witnesses, shall be offered a meaningful opportunity to participate.
This includes:
- The opportunity to provide statements, documentation, and context
- The opportunity to participate in interviews conducted by the Special Investigation Team
- The opportunity to respond to allegations or discrepancies identified during the investigation
Participation may occur through:
- Recorded interviews
- Written statements
- Document submissions
- Structured digital communication, where appropriate
Investigators shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate scheduling and communication preferences to facilitate participation.
Right to Decline Participation
Participation in the investigation is voluntary.
- Any individual may decline to participate in interviews or to provide statements.
- A decision not to participate shall not, in itself, be treated as an admission of wrongdoing.
- Investigators shall respect such decisions and proceed based on available evidence.
The investigation will continue regardless of participation levels, relying on documented materials and other available sources.
Distinction Between Administrative Action and Legal Obligations
It is critical to distinguish between internal, administrative actions of the organization and matters that may constitute legal obligations under applicable law.
- The investigation is an internal governance process intended to establish facts and recommend actions to the Board.
- Any interim or final actions taken by the Board are administrative in nature unless otherwise required by law.
- The Special Investigation Team does not determine legal liability, nor does it function as a court or legal authority.
However, the Board and investigators must remain aware that certain findings may give rise to legal obligations that extend beyond internal governance.
Compliance with Oregon Law (ORS 128.814) (ORS 65.357)
All investigative activities and resulting recommendations must remain consistent with applicable Oregon law, including ORS 128.814 and ORS 65.357.
Under this statute, individuals responsible for managing and overseeing organizational assets are required to:
- Act in good faith
- Exercise reasonable care, skill, and caution
- Act in the best interests of the organization
- Maintain proper oversight and accountability of assets and processes
If, during the course of the investigation, information arises that may indicate a violation of these legal standards:
- The Board must evaluate its obligation to take appropriate action
- This may include corrective measures, restitution, or referral to appropriate external authorities where required
Investigators are responsible for clearly documenting any findings that may intersect with these legal obligations.
Integrity of the Process
To preserve the integrity of the investigation:
- Confidentiality requirements must be strictly followed
- Investigators shall not engage in public commentary or speculation
- No participant shall attempt to influence testimony, evidence, or outcomes
- All records must be preserved in accordance with the Resolution
The credibility of the investigation depends on adherence to these standards.
Final Responsibility
The Special Investigation Team serves in an advisory capacity only.
- The responsibility of the Team is to gather facts, document findings, and present recommendations
- All final determinations and actions remain the sole responsibility of the Board of Directors
Conclusion
This investigation represents a serious responsibility entrusted to the Board and its appointed investigators.
All participants are expected to uphold the principles of fairness, diligence, and integrity throughout the process, ensuring that the outcome is grounded in fact, consistent with organizational governance, and compliant with applicable law.
From the Special Investigation Team,
Wicke, Aurora
