Personal & Professional Disclosure
My clients, prospective clients, and interested others have a right to know of a painful and ugly piece of my personal history.
During my time in politics, at the end of a three-year period in which I completely lost my center, developed a problem with alcohol and became involved in an unhealthy personal relationship, I pled guilty to two misdemeanor crimes–the charges were for trespass and sex abuse– arising out of a June, 1992 domestic incident involving the woman with whom I had been recently in relationship. As a result of my convictions I was ordered to pay a fine, perform 150 hours of community service, and was placed on a five year probation, all of which I completed successfully. I also stipulated to discipline (60 day suspension, three years of probation) from the Oregon State Bar, which became involved because of the criminal convictions. This was the first and only time I have ever been disciplined by the Oregon State Bar, and the first and only time I was ever in trouble with the law.
The incident occurred at the end of a three year stormy relationship which was destructive for all involved. It also occurred just after I completed a 30 day alcohol treatment, at a time when I was not emotionally stable. I mention these two latter facts not in any way to excuse my conduct, which was and is inexcusable, but simply to place it in context. I took responsibility for my mistakes, made amends as best I could and asked forgiveness from the woman I hurt, as well as to the many people I disappointed by my failures.
I also commenced work in a 12 Step Program of recovery from my alcohol problem, and I now have been in continuous recovery from alcohol dependency since 1992. I am regularly involved in the 12 Step program, and seek to help others both in and out of that program who may be struggling with addiction.
To my clients and potential clients I say this: you share your life’s brokenness with me, and so I do so with you as well. I choose to do so publicly here so that you may know that I have been through hard times and so can be with you in the difficult process of healing from your childhood wounds.That my trouble was almost entirely self-induced, while yours was foisted upon you, does not change that I can walk with you now with understanding and compassion.I will also say that, since these things occurred in 1992 while I was a somewhat high-profile political figure, the episode and aftermath was quite public. Having lived through a public scandal means that by now I have a pretty thick skin, and do not shrink from controversy or from advocating fiercely for what I believe in.Of course, some of those who are most critical of or threatened by my workhave been quick to point to my own failures and charge me with hypocrisy.They are of course entitled to their opinions. The only opinions I care about are those of the men, women and children for whom I am their advocate.
In so many ways mine is akin to the biblical story of the Prodigal Son, and I am grateful that my community and my profession have given me a second chance to live a productive life. I would be pleased to answer any questions that may arise from this statement.
