David's Farewell Letter

David has enjoyed every aspect about working at OGEC, including his colleagues, observing Commission meetings, and being involved in every part of the process of OGEC’s enforcement of the law:

• sending out letters
• emailing reminders about lobbying reports
• filing final orders

For David, reaching out to people who use OGEC’s filing systems, whether those people are public officials, lobbyists, or lobbyist client employers, has been a rewarding part of his job.

David has helped to fix a lot of different kinds of problems around here. He supported OGEC with his comprehensive know-how of the unexpected ways that the systems and the statutes work together. At this job, every day is the same kind of work, but always a little bit unexpected because the people provided the variety – people brought the problems, and David fixed the problems. 

Ron Bersin, OGEC's former Executive Director, had this to say about David's impressive work ethic:

"I first met David when he was hired by The Board of Accountancy and I was the Executive Director of the Board of Tax Practitioners.  David was hired into a role with the Board of Accountancy, that the Director had fired the last three people hired.  When he was successful in completing his trial service, I knew he was something special.  I was very excited when David applied for, received and accepted his position with the Oregon Government Ethics Commission.  I was now Executive Director of the Commission, and I knew David was going to be a very valuable addition to the staff. Immediately, David became a highly productive member of the staff.

More importantly, David came to work each day with a smile on his face.  When he was overworked, which was often, he simply met each challenge with his everyday cheer.  I can honestly say, I looked forward to seeing David each day when I came to work."

Both Ron, who worked down the hall from David, and Kathy Baier, who sat at the front desk with David for years, had more to say about the enthusiasm David brought to his work.

Kathy wrote,

"I'm so happy for you David. The best is yet to come. Thank you for the many years of your friendship in our cubicle space. The crazy "Book" days, the fun holiday potlucks, and the many conversations that we had to save the world. But mostly for just being you. I appreciate our continued friendship over the miles. Best wishes for the best rest of the book of your life."  

Ron wrote, 

"I want to sincerely thank David for making each day I worked with him a little better.  The Commission will miss your expertise, but more importantly, the joy you bring into the workplace each day.  I know you will enjoy your well-deserved retirement.  Again, thank you for making my time with the Commission better."

OGEC's current staff echoes Ron's sentiment. We will miss David every day.

In retirement, David looks forward to spending more time with his dog, Wally. Wally is just over a year old, and he's full of energy. There's still a lot of training ahead for Wally and David, to make sure Wally is a good citizen and conducts himself in harmony with his neighbors and the nearest ice cream truck.