Politics and Elections
Representative Kiesel to not seek re-election
Written by Dick Pryor Thursday, 04 March 2010 17:40
OKLAHOMA CITY - State Representative Ryan Kiesel (D) Seminole has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2010. Kiesel was elected to the House of Representatives, serving District 28, in 2004.
According to a statement issued today, Kiesel said, "For six years the majority of the voters in House District 28 have afforded me a front row seat with a microphone. From this vantage point, I've seen what we are capable of at our best and at our worst. I've seen moments of human tragedy exploited for political gain, as suffering is mangled into a soundbite. I've also seen moments of courage, at the capitol and in my own backyard. From the legislator relying on reason in the face of demagogues, to firefighters, many volunteers, working without rest or regard to their own safety to battle advancing wildfires, it has been an enormous privilege to be a witness to the human spirit and the very real, very tangible Oklahoman commitment to our community and our neighbors."
Mayoral races, school projects decided
Written by Dick Pryor Wednesday, 03 March 2010 14:51
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Voters in Oklahoma City and Norman have re-elected their mayors, and school bond elections in communities across the state have been decided. In Oklahoma City, incumbent Mick Cornett beat challenger Steve Hunt 14,073 (58.3 percent) to 10,061 (41.7 percent). In Norman, Cindy Rosenthal received more than 53 percent of the vote over Hal Ezzell to win a second term.
In Tulsa, school district patrons approved a $354 million bond issue by a margin of more than 72 percent. The school bond proposal is the largest in state history.
In Garfield County, Drummond school patrons rejected a $3.29 million bond issue by 114 (55.6 percent) to 91 (44.4 percent).
Doak announces for insurance commissioner
Written by Dick Pryor Wednesday, 24 February 2010 23:47
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A Tulsa-area businessman says he plans to run for state insurance commissioner this fall. Republican John Doak said Tuesday he plans to mount a statewide campaign for the job now held by Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland, a Democrat who announced earlier this month she will seek
re-election.
Currently an insurance agent for State Farm, Doak says Oklahoma needs conservative leaders at all levels of government. He says the state's insurance commissioner should be a strong voice for Oklahoma consumers and be fair to businesses who create jobs. Doak says reforms are needed to combat rising insurance costs
but that they should occur at the state level, not in Washington. He says he will work closely with state leaders to implement the best reforms possible.
Newcastle CPA announces treasurer candidacy
Written by Dick Pryor Tuesday, 09 February 2010 20:37
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A 56-year-old certified public accountant from Newcastle is the first Democrat to announce he's running for state treasurer in 2010.
Jon Robinson announced his candidacy Tuesday at the state Capitol. He's a member of the Oklahoma Society of CPAs and has worked for 12 years as an auditor with the State Auditor and Inspector's Office.
Two Republicans have already announced for the race. Former state Sen. Owen Laughlin of Woodward and state Rep. Ken Miller of Edmond are running for the GOP nominatio. Democratic State Treasurer Scott Meacham has said he won't run for a second full term in office. Oklahoma has had only one Republican serve as treasurer since statehood - Claudette Henry was elected in 1990 and served one four-year term.
Holland announces re-election bid
Written by Dick Pryor Monday, 01 February 2010 21:49
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland says she is seeking re-election this fall. Holland was appointed to the post by Gov. Brad Henry in January 2005 and in 2006 became the first woman elected to serve as insurance commissioner.
During her tenure she's directed the insurance department to develop a more cost effective and efficient method of processing the nearly 100,000 licenses and renewals received annually. Since implementation of a new Web-based licensing system the Department saves more than $170,000 a year for Oklahoma taxpayers. Holland says during her first four years in office the department's fraud unit responded to 2,062 complaints, leading to numerous criminal prosecutions and civil actions.