Oregon Secretary of State Investigation on Campaign Finance Reporting
Multiple campaign finance complaints have been filed against David Twombly, a Florence resident and former owner of Central Coast Disposal, related to the Siuslaw School Bond election, Measure 20‑379, and the Oregon Secretary of State has confirmed an investigation is underway. The complaints were filed by Citizens for Schools and Community PAC, which alleges Twombly knowingly spent money opposing the bond without complying with Oregon campaign finance reporting and disclosure requirements. The PAC claims Twombly spent nearly $5,000 on opposition advertising and argues the activity should have been reported under state law. The Secretary of State’s Elections Division confirmed the investigation was opened in a letter dated May 8. Twombly disputes the allegation that he knowingly violated election law.
“My immediate reaction is it implies that I went out knowingly and willingly and committed a wrong, and that’s not at all what happened.”
Twombly says his involvement began after attending presentations about the proposed school bond. He says he publicly expressed concerns about affordability and long‑term costs, then decided to purchase radio advertising to share his perspective with the community.
“I’m like, okay, how do I get information and how do I get it out there right away. My intention was all good without any knowledge until much later that I was doing something that could be misconstrued as an in fraction of campaign elections.”
Under Oregon election law, individuals may publicly support or oppose a ballot measure, including speaking at meetings or sharing unpaid opinions, without triggering campaign finance rules. Once money is spent on political advertising, disclosure requirements apply, and additional reporting obligations may be triggered if spending exceeds thresholds established in state law.
However, once money is spent on political advertising opposing or supporting a clearly identified ballot measure, Oregon law requires disclosure identifying who paid for the ad, and in some cases requires campaign finance reporting or the formation of a political committee. Those requirements apply regardless of when the spending occurs in the election cycle. Twombly says he did not understand those requirements at the outset.
“I definitely wasn’t aware on the onset,” he said. “Much later down the road, after I had committed and made an agreement, somebody informed me of that.”
Twombly also questions the dollar amounts cited in the complaint and says some advertising occurred earlier in the year.
“That sounds correct to me that it was $2,500,” Twombly said, referring to spending he believes occurred prior to April 1. “And that’s how we laid out the ad campaign.”
The PAC argues that allegations involving knowingly disregarding campaign finance laws undermine public trust and has announced plans to also file a complaint with the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, citing Twombly’s employment with the Siuslaw School District. Twombly says any mistake was unintentional.
“If my mistake causes any kind of discomfort for anybody, just know that was an honest mistake,”
No findings have been issued, and the Secretary of State’s investigation remains ongoing.
119th Rhododendron Festival Begins
Today marks the start of the 119th annual Rhododendron Festival in Florence. The long‑running event brings visitors from across Oregon and neighboring states, with crowds expected in the thousands. Local hotels are reporting their first major surge of the tourism season. The Davis Carnival opens today and runs through Sunday. Opening tomorrow are the Maple Street Old Town Vendor Fair and the Rhododendron Quilt Guild quilt show at Florence Home Furnishings. Saturday morning features the 47th annual Rhody Run, with race day registration beginning at 8 AM and the 5K and 10K races starting at 9 AM at the Florence Events Center. Also Saturday, the Rhody Cruisers car show and shine gets underway at 8 AM in the Grocery Outlet parking lot. The Junior Parade steps off Saturday at noon, followed by Kiwanis Kids Games at Miller Park. New this year is a Habitat for Humanity Poker Walk. Complete event details and schedules are available at rhodydays.net.
Whitmore Classical Academy Give Peek at New Building
Last night at the former Rite Aid building, faculty, staff, and board members with Whitmore Classical Academy opened the doors to the public for a first look at the future school site. Visitors were able to tour the facility and review floor plans and design concepts. Construction began earlier this week and is expected to continue through the planned September opening, according to Board President Kay King. King says the timeline is tight but she’s confident the project will come together. District representative Boomer Wright and West Lane County Commissioner Ryan Ceniga attended the tour, along with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce. The tuition‑free public academy will open with grades K through 3, with plans to add one grade each year through 8th grade.
