News about John Kitzhaber

According to Oregon Live, Aimee Kotek Wilson declared on Tuesday that she is recovering from alcoholism but gave no details about what kind of mental disorder she suffers with. 'I publish this information about myself now and have done in the past in the hopes of making a difference and reducing stigma,' she said in a tweet.' "People have remained silent about their experience due to shame, pain, and fear...and, that's why doing my part to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health is so important.' Wilson's remarks come as news organizations have started questioning her new position in Kotek's administration, which includes a security focus as she attends events on the governor's behalf. The funds to pay for the extra security would have come out of the old governor's budget. Meliah Masiba, Kotek's advisor, has also hired an expert to investigate the possibility of a "First Spouse"; the advisor will be paid $72,000 for six months of service. According to reports, the governor's wife, who served as a social worker, has been attending weekly policy meetings on mental health and addiction treatment. Wilson has also attended the majority of Kotek's meetings with mental health and heroin abuse specialists regarding the issue. Three of Kotek's top aides, including her chief of staff, have left her office due to Wilson's tensions. The Oregon Government Ethics Commission announced on Monday that it had received a lawsuit relating to Kotek and has opened a preliminary investigation into the allegation.