The Latest in Oklahoma: October 4, 2024
A&A Advocates
Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, caused widespread damage across the southeastern U.S., including deaths in Georgia and structural damage as far as North Carolina. In response, a team from Oklahoma’s Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) traveled to Georgia to assist with power restoration. GRDA has a long history of providing disaster relief nationwide. Two GRDA officers also joined Oklahoma Task Force One for flood rescues in Florida. Despite the dangers, Oklahoma’s utility workers and first responders continue their tradition of “neighbors helping neighbors.”
Shelley Zumwalt is stepping down as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, effective October 11, to pursue private sector opportunities. Zumwalt faced controversy earlier this year due to a state audit that revealed conflicts of interest involving her husband’s company, Phase 2. Despite calls for her resignation, Zumwalt denied wrongdoing but has chosen to step back from her position. Governor Stitt has since appointed Sterling Zearley as interim director.
The Oklahoma County Social Services Department will be disbanded by the end of October due to Senate Bill 1931, which repeals laws related to county care of indigent persons. This closure will affect programs like the Oklahoma County Pharmacy and Homeless Services.The department’s director, Christi Jernigan-Marshall, expressed concern over the impact on employees and the vulnerable populations they serve. The bill, aimed at shifting these services to nonprofits, has faced criticism for struggling to balance the varying needs of different counties.
In the upcoming November election, Oklahoma voters will decide on 37 state legislative races. Several incumbents, including Republican leadership, were replaced in primaries, with some new candidates promoting more conservative platforms. Notably, Senate District 15 features Lisa Standridge, aiming to succeed her husband, and Senate District 46 involves a rare three-way race. Meanwhile, House District 63 could impact leadership roles if Rep. Trey Caldwell loses. These races could bring significant changes and new perspectives to the state legislature.
Update on Interim Studies
Interim studies are on a roll, and continued updates and reports will be available in the coming weeks. Click the links to view House studies and Senate studies.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Electing a school board member with just 2% of voter turnout is not conducive to the needs of one of the state’s largest school districts,” Bradley Ward siad regarding moving school board elections to November to increase voter turnout. “…it undermines democratic representation and fails to capture the diverse perspectives of the community that the board ultimately serves.”