SALEM, OR -- Oregon Governor Tina Kotek is creating an Office of the First Spouse. Responding to criticism over her plan, Kotek told reporters Wednesday the office was previously approved by the legislature, "First Spouses are now public officials under the revised statutes. That's why the first spouses have to submit their statements of economic interests, just like other electeds."

But, what lawmakers approved several years ago did not include rules for the position. Kotek is submitting questions to the Oregon Ethics Commission for guidance, "Questions that I think a lot of people have, we're working on the questions. We're going to submit those; I believe we're shooting for Friday to the commission. We'll make those public, what the questions are. The response from the Ethics Commission will also be a public document, because they do give opinions and that's how they do it." After getting those answers she'll set a direction for her wife Aimee Kotek Wilson. "We hope that will provide some clarity for everybody. Certainly our office; certainly, you know, the public and probably answer a lot of your questions as well." Kotek notes the job of First Spouse is a volunteer, unpaid position.  

The Governor has also requested additional security for her wife, "It is commonplace in other states that First Spouses have security protection." And, she says, "It is the policy of the state to keep members of the First Family safe. Period, plain and simple." But, she wouldn't elaborate on why she considered it necessary.