Lottery chief aims to cut administrative costs

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2002 | 9:51 a.m.

SALEM, Ore. -- The state Lottery's acting director says she's stopping the use of some outside consultants, in an effort to pare administrative costs that have drawn criticism from state auditors.

Brenda Rocklin also said Monday that she will stop other practices, such as holding staff meetings at the Portland home of Lee Moore, with Lottery funds paying for mileage and refreshments.

Moore, the assistant director for support services, is the agency's No. 2 official.

Records show Moore has approved spending on perks this year that are similar to those criticized in an audit of 2001 Lottery costs, the Oregonian reported.

Former Lottery Director Chris Lyons resigned following release of the audit report in November, when Secretary of State Bill Bradbury said his auditors found $750,000 in legal but possibly excessive spending.

Gov. John Kitzhaber appointed Rocklin, a veteran assistant attorney general, as interim director of the agency pending a permanent choice by Gov.-elect Ted Kulongoski.

Critics say shaving administrative costs would add money to Lottery-funded programs. The Lottery nets about $350 million a year, which can be used for schools, economic development, parks and salmon restoration.