Corp Comm to Investigate Hiett
The Oklahoman’s Nolan Clay reported yesterday that the Oklahoma Corporation Commission is launching an independent investigation into allegations against its chairman, Todd Hiett, who is accused of drunkenness and sexual misconduct. The claims surfaced after an incident at a conference in Minneapolis, where Hiett allegedly groped a man on June 9. He admitted to drinking too much at the event but suggested that any touching was likely unintended horseplay, as he doesn’t remember the details.
Commissioner Kim David pushed for the investigation to ensure transparency, stating the need to address the situation thoroughly. Brandy Wreath, the commission’s director of administration, mentioned that the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services would likely conduct the investigation.
Commissioner Bob Anthony called for Hiett to resign immediately, pointing to reports of similar behavior at other conferences. David also recommended that Hiett consider taking a leave of absence during the investigation. House Democrats urged Governor Kevin Stitt to convene a special session to discuss potentially impeaching Hiett on charges of moral turpitude and habitual drunkenness.
The incident, detailed in accounts obtained by The Oklahoman, involved Hiett allegedly putting his hand on a man’s groin, causing discomfort to those present. The man was identified as being affiliated with a company that regularly deals with the commission. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, no police report was filed in Minneapolis.
More worth reading:
Undocumented OK Immigrants Paid $227 Million
Oklahoma’s undocumented immigrants paid $227.5 million in taxes in 2022, a report from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy showed. That includes payments into social benefit accounts, such as Social Security and Medicare, they’re barred from tapping. [ITEP]
DOE Spent $38K in May Legal Fees
Public records show the Oklahoma State Department of Education, led by state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, paid more than $38,000 to an Oklahoma City legal firm in May for the firm’s work, as the agency dealt with the sudden depletion of its entire in-house team of attorneys. [The Oklahoman]
Parent Sues DOE Over Bible Mandate
A Locust Grove parent has filed a civil lawsuit over State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ demand that Oklahoma public schools incorporate the Bible into their curricula this coming school year. [Tulsa World]
“I think that as adults, we can have one get-together without alcohol and send these kids a stronger message.”
–Todd Hiett, then the state House of Representatives speaker-elect, confirming no alcohol would be served at the Speaker’s Ball in 2005.
Ciao for now,
Ted Streuli
Executive Director, Oklahoma Watch
tstreuli@oklahomawatch.org
