Transgender mayor's possible TV deal raises questions
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A Los Angeles-based production company plans to pitch a reality show about Silverton's transgender mayor to television networks, but there is concern about potential ethical implications.
Mayor Stu Rasmussen stands to get a percentage of total production cost, estimated at $30,000 to $35,000 per episode, he said. Oregon government ethics laws, however, prohibit public officials from using office for financial gain and require public disclosure of economic conflict of interest.
"We have some reservations about this because a public official cannot use, or attempt to use, their position for financial gain," said Ron Bersin, the executive director of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission.
Silverton City Manager Bryan Cosgrove said he brought the issue to Rasmussen's attention.
Rasmussen said that if the show goes to production he would make sure he doesn't violate any ethics laws.
"I want to be absolutely sure we're squeaky clean before this happens," he said.
Rasmussen was elected mayor in November, believed to be the first openly transgender mayor in the nation.
A production company shot a pilot episode last month.
One theme would be the challenges of a transgender person in a small town. Each episode would include glimpses into Rasmussen's life and stories about the local government.
Some city council members could also be compensated for being on the show, if it comes to fruition.
Before he had breast implants and started dressing as a woman in public, Rasmussen had served as mayor of Silverton twice before.
A software engineer and co-owner of the Palace Theatre, he has long red hair, a penchant for low-cut blouses and a girlfriend of more than 30 years, Victoria Sage.
Rasmussen asked the City Council for permission before undertaking the project, and he was not paid for the pitch.
Mayor Stu Rasmussen stands to get a percentage of total production cost, estimated at $30,000 to $35,000 per episode, he said. Oregon government ethics laws, however, prohibit public officials from using office for financial gain and require public disclosure of economic conflict of interest.
"We have some reservations about this because a public official cannot use, or attempt to use, their position for financial gain," said Ron Bersin, the executive director of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission.
Silverton City Manager Bryan Cosgrove said he brought the issue to Rasmussen's attention.
Rasmussen said that if the show goes to production he would make sure he doesn't violate any ethics laws.
"I want to be absolutely sure we're squeaky clean before this happens," he said.
Rasmussen was elected mayor in November, believed to be the first openly transgender mayor in the nation.
A production company shot a pilot episode last month.
One theme would be the challenges of a transgender person in a small town. Each episode would include glimpses into Rasmussen's life and stories about the local government.
Some city council members could also be compensated for being on the show, if it comes to fruition.
Before he had breast implants and started dressing as a woman in public, Rasmussen had served as mayor of Silverton twice before.
A software engineer and co-owner of the Palace Theatre, he has long red hair, a penchant for low-cut blouses and a girlfriend of more than 30 years, Victoria Sage.
Rasmussen asked the City Council for permission before undertaking the project, and he was not paid for the pitch.
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