House Votes to Reform Appointment of Replacement Officeholders

The Oklahoma House of Representatives voted today to change the way vacancies in statewide offices are filled.
House Bill 1322, by state Rep. Mike Reynolds, would allow Oklahoma voters, not the governor, to choose the person who fills any vacated statewide office.

Reynolds filed the legislation to prevent any scandals from occurring similar to the one experience recently in Illinois, where Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was accused of trying to “sell” an appointment to the then-vacant U.S. Senate seat.

“The appointment power can easily be abused and Oklahoma has seen more than its share of corruption already,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “The cost of a special election is nothing compared to the cost and embarrassment of having to impeach an improperly appointed politician, which is what the people of Illinois are facing.”

If any major office is vacated before the end of the officeholder’s current term that position would remain unfilled until the next general election under the proposal. Currently, the governor is allowed to appoint a successor.

Reynolds noted that Gov. Brad Henry actually endorsed a similar course of action when former State Auditor Jeff McMahan was under federal investigation.

Vacancies in the state Legislature are also filled through the election process and not by gubernatorial appointment.

In recent years, two major statewide officeholders have resigned due to legal troubles: McMahan and former Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher. Other vacancies have occurred in the offices of State Treasurer and Corporation Commissioner.

House Bill 1322 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on a bipartisan vote of 66-31. It now proceeds to the state Senate.

House Committee Clears Reynolds Bill to Prohibit Stem Cell Research

State Rep. Mike Reynolds believes human embryos should be protected like any other living human being.

“Human embryos are undeveloped human beings,” Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, said. “The state cannot condone their use even for research that is done with the best of intentions.”

House Bill 1326 by Reynolds would make it a misdemeanor to conduct non-therapeutic research that would kill a human embryo or subject it to a substantial risk of death or injury. The bill also prohibits the use of tissues or cells obtained from human embryos and transporting human embryos with the purpose of using them in a way in which they would be harmed.

“This legislation is meant to prevent the misuse and abuse of unborn children,” Reynolds said. “Nationally, the use of human embryos is likely going to begin again under the new administration. My intention is to do my part to protect these children at least in the state of Oklahoma.”

Reynolds noted that House Bill 1326 also directs state agencies to discontinue funding to any organizations or groups associated with the misuse of human embryos. It would also make those organizations and groups ineligible for any tax credits.

“The tax and grant provision in the bill ensures that universities and laboratories are responsible for the actions of their staff and will help with the enforcement of the bill,” Reynolds said. “Unfortunately there are those who do not believe or choose to ignore the fact that human embryos are human beings and that we have a moral obligation to keep from harming them in any way.”

Bill Would Overhaul Appointment of Replacement Officeholders

Lawmakers have voted to change the way vacancies in statewide offices are filled.

House Bill 1322, by state Rep. Mike Reynolds, would allow Oklahoma voters, not the governor, to choose the person who fills any vacated statewide office.

Reynolds filed the legislation to prevent any scandals from occurring similar to the one experience recently in Illinois, where Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was accused of trying to “sell” an appointment to the then-vacant U.S. Senate seat.

“The appointment power can easily be abused and Oklahoma has seen more than its share of corruption already,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “My bill will simply remove that temptation and ensure the people of Oklahoma choose the people they want to serve in office.”

If any major office is vacated before the end of the officeholder’s current term that position would remain unfilled until the next general election under the proposal. Currently, the governor is allowed to appoint a successor.

Reynolds noted that Gov. Brad Henry actually endorsed a similar course of action when former State Auditor Jeff McMahan was under federal investigation. During that controversy, Henry urged McMahan to step aside during the investigation. McMahan later resigned from office after being convicted.

Reynolds also noted that vacancies in the state Legislature are filled through the election process and not by gubernatorial appointment.
In recent years, two major statewide officeholders have resigned due to legal troubles: McMahan and former Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher. Other vacancies have occurred in the offices of State Treasurer and Corporation Commissioner.

House Bill 1322 passed out of the House Rules committee and now proceeds to the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Broken Arrow School Payments Raise Questions

Thousands of dollars in illegal payments were apparently given to employees of the Broken Arrow school district in recent years, state Rep. Mike Reynolds, member of the House Government Oversight Committee, said today.

“It is my understanding that as much as $242,000 in illegal payments for unused sick leave has been given to employees of the Broken Arrow school district,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “That is an enormous sum of money diverted from the classroom.”

Reynolds said he has received information showing Broken Arrow school employees were paid for unused sick leave from 2000 to 2003 in violation of state law. That information was later independently confirmed by a school employee.

Reynolds said the information he received indicates that, among others, Interim Superintendent Gary Gerber and current school board candidate Cheryl Kelly are among those who allegedly received the improper payments.

“It is very disturbing to learn that school leaders may have personally benefited from this illegal activity,” Reynolds said. “The school board must publicly address this issue.”

Reynolds Calls on McMahan to Name Names

State Rep. Mike Reynolds today urged former State Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan to cooperate with federal investigators working to weed out corruption in Oklahoma government.

“When he was sentenced this week, Mister McMahan indicated he was simply a ‘naïve’ man caught up in a corrupt system,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “If that’s the case, Mister McMahan should specifically identify all the individuals engaged in corruption. There’s no reason to shield those people from prosecutors.”
McMahan was sentenced this week to eight years and one month in federal prison as the result of a public corruption case that involved illegal campaign contributions and the acceptance of bribes.
In court papers, McMahan claimed that he and his wife were “politically naive newcomers” who got caught up in an already corrupt system, according to the Tulsa World.

“I agree with Mister McMahan on one thing: He was involved in a corrupt system,” Reynolds said. “However, so far he has refused to identify that corruption and provide evidence to federal investigators. It’s time he backs with rhetoric with action. I agree with Mister McMahan on one thing: He was involved in a corrupt system,” Reynolds said. “However, so far he has refused to identify that corruption and provide evidence to federal investigators. Rather than looking for sympathy, I suggest he instead look for atonement by revealing the names of the people that corrupted him and help rid Oklahoma of this corruption.”

llinois Scandal Prompts Oklahoma Reform Proposal

In light of allegations that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich effectively tried to “sell” an appointment to the now-vacant U.S. Senate seat in that state, one Oklahoma lawmaker is filing legislation to ensure similar corruption cannot occur in Oklahoma.

State Rep. Mike Reynolds said today he will file legislation that would allow Oklahoma voters, not the governor, to choose the person who fills any vacated statewide office.

If any major office is vacated before the end of the officeholder’s current term that position would remain unfilled until the next general election under the proposal. Currently, the governor is allowed to appoint a successor.

“The Illinois scandal makes clear that the appointment power can easily be abused and we’ve had more than our share of corruption in Oklahoma already,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “My proposal will simply remove that temptation and ensure the people of Oklahoma get to choose the people they want in office.”

Reynolds noted that Gov. Brad Henry actually endorsed a similar course of action when former State Auditor Jeff McMahan was under federal investigation. During that controversy, Henry urged McMahan to step aside during the investigation. McMahan later resigned from office after being convicted.

Reynolds also noted that vacancies in the state Legislature are filled through the election process and not by gubernatorial appointment.

In recent years, two major statewide officeholders have resigned due to legal troubles: McMahan and former Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher. Other vacancies have occurred in the offices of State Treasurer and Corporation Commissioner.

Reynolds drop out - Benge reelected

Mike Reynolds has suddenly reversed course and withdrew his name from consideration for Speaker of the Oklahoma House.

Chris Benge was reelected Speaker by acclamation.

Gave a nice, warm acceptance speech. Very well received. Talked about the historial "pain of democrat leadership," GOP accomplishments over the last 4 years and future opportunities for the House Republican caucus.

Oklahoma House GOP to pick leadership team

After helping to increase his party's political control of the state House to the largest margin ever, Republican House Speaker Chris Benge is expected to remain in the post when House Republicans gather at the state Capitol Friday to select a leadership team for the next two years.

Benge, of Tulsa, was chairman of the powerful House Appropriations and Budget Committee when he was elected speaker in January after Rep. Lance Cargill, R-Harrah, resigned from the post following revelations that he submitted late property tax payments and did not file state personal income tax returns. Cargill did not seek re-election.

Since becoming speaker, Benge has won praise from GOP House members for his methodical governing style and assistance during this fall's round of elections in which he helped raise campaign funds and even made phone calls and campaigned house-to-house for GOP candidates.

"Speaker Benge was extremely active in our campaign cycle. I think the results bear that out," said Rep. Ken Miller, R-Edmond, who succeeded Benge as House budget chairman. "Speaker Benge did an excellent job of managing our races and equipping them with the funds necessary to be successful."

In addition to Benge, Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, is seeking the House's top job. Reynolds said that while he has no animosity toward Benge, he believes Benge has been slow to reverse what Reynolds said was a "very dictatorial" leadership style imposed during Cargill's time as speaker.

"While we are selecting new leaders, what we have not discussed is leadership style," Reynolds said. "I think Chris Benge is an honorable guy. But he had a year to change things and he didn't. He has not addressed even now what changes he might implement if he is elected speaker."

Reynolds said he wants House leaders to develop an inclusive approach to governing that encourages all members of both political parties to participate.

"I want everyone at the table, starting from within our caucus," Reynolds said. "I hope he will try to change the direction of our caucus."

Other House Republicans indicated Benge will easily be re-elected speaker.

"I don't anticipate him having any trouble whatsoever. He's got near unanimous support in the caucus," said Jason Nelson of Oklahoma City, a newly elected House member who said Benge helped him in a difficult campaign that he won with less than 51 percent of the vote.

"The speaker was tremendously helpful. Anything I needed him to do he helped with," Nelson said.

Rep. Dennis Johnson, R-Duncan, said Benge was very helpful in winning re-election in a district that was among the seats targeted by House Democrats.

"Speaker Benge was kind enough, at my invitation, to come down and knock on doors with me. I appreciated his help," Johnson said. "I highly respect our speaker. He came in at a very difficult time and has had a steady hand."

House Republicans will also decide whether Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell, will remain in his position. Reps. Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, and Don Armes, R-Faxon, are also seeking the job.

Reps. John Wright, R-Broken Arrow, and Scott Martin, R-Norman, are seeking the caucus chairman job currently held by Wright.

Friday's caucus vote will be ratified at a Jan. 6 organizational meeting of the full House.

Democrat Party Chair Indicates Governor has Broken Law

The recent comments of the chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party indicate Gov. Brad Henry has made illegal contributions, state Rep. Mike Reynolds said today.
Reynolds urged the governor to publicly address the campaign finance controversy.

“State Democratic Party Chairman Ivan Holmes recently said the Young Democrats of Oklahoma are an official affiliate of the state party, which means Governor Henry has illegally exceeded the maximum donation allowed to a state party under Oklahoma law,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “It’s time the governor publicly addresses this issue or seeks the return of the contributions.”

Earlier this month, Reynolds questioned the legality of Henry’s contributions to the Young Democrats of Oklahoma. Campaign reports show that Henry donated $5,000 from his surplus campaign funds to the Young Democrats of Oklahoma in 2007 and again in 2008 – a combined total of $10,000.

However, it is illegal for a candidate to give campaign funds to any partisan organization other than a state party and its affiliates (which are normally just county parties).

In an Oct. 2 article in the Tulsa World, Holmes claimed the Young Democrats are an official affiliate of the state party.

If Holmes is correct, Gov. Henry has violated annual state limits on campaign contributions to a political party once his gifts to the Young Democrats are combined with separate donations to the official state party, Reynolds noted.

“It appears the governor has either violated contribution limits or illegally donated surplus funds to a partisan group that is not a party affiliate,” Reynolds said. “If Chairman Holmes’ comments are true, the governor’s actions would either be illegal or unethical.”

Reynolds also noted that other Democratic lawmakers have made similar contributions from surplus funds to non-party affiliates. At least nine Democratic legislators have given in excess of $26,000 from their surplus campaign funds to a Democratic legislative PAC (WIN PAC).

“Apparently, Chairman Holmes has advised these lawmakers that WIN PAC is also a party affiliate,” Reynolds said. “He seems to have a pattern of violating or skirting state laws and willing to facilitate illegal activity. Oklahomans deserve better.”

Mike Reynolds Returns Improper Donations

Lawmaker returned donations
By MICK HINTON World Capitol Bureau

Two contributions to the lawmaker — who accused the governor of illegal donations — vio- lated an ethics rule.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Mike Reynolds, who has accused the governor of making illegal campaign donations, recently returned contributions he received in violation of an ethics rule, records show.

A state Ethics Commission rule states that six months must pass before a candidate can accept a maximum $5,000 donation from the same contributor for two separate committees. Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, accepted contributions for both his 2006 and 2008 campaign accounts from two people during six-month periods.

"It was a rule I was not aware of," he said Friday. "As soon as I found out I was in violation, I corrected it."

Records indicate that Reynolds accepted contributions three months apart that exceeded the $5,000 limit from Ralph Harvey, president of Marlin Oil of Oklahoma City.

Reynolds returned $5,000 to Harvey on July 22.

Ethics Commission records also show that Mike Marshall, CEO of 5 Star Co. of Oklahoma City, gave $2,500 to Reynolds' 2006 committee on Jan. 31, 2007, and $5,000 to Reynolds' 2008 committee on May 29, 2007.

Reynolds returned $5,000 to Marshall on Aug. 1. That same day, Marshall wrote another check for $5,000 to Reynolds because the six-month waiting period had elapsed.

Reynolds this week accused Gov. Brad Henry of illegally contributing $5,000 in excess campaign funds to the Young Democrats in 2006 and 2008.

Reynolds said the group is not connected to the state party and thus was ineligible for the contribution.

State Democratic Party Chairman Ivan Holmes said Reynolds failed to do his research because the group is affiliated with the Democratic Central Committee.

Reynolds say Governor Involved in Illegal Contributions

Gov. Brad Henry has apparently funneled $10,000 in illegal contributions to a partisan organization according to ethics records uncovered by state Rep. Mike Reynolds.

Campaign reports show that Henry donated $5,000 of his surplus campaign funds to the Young Democrats of Oklahoma in 2007 and again in 2008.

However, it is illegal for a candidate to give his or her campaign funds to any partisan organization other than a state party and its affiliates (county parties).

As a result, the Young Democrats of Oklahoma are not an official party affiliate under campaign finance law and cannot legally receive the governor’s surplus funds.

“These transactions are an obvious violation of state law,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “Our state leaders must be held to high ethical standards that ensure fair and legally funded elections in Oklahoma. The governor’s actions do not pass that test.”

After the Young Democrats of Oklahoma received Henry’s contributions, Reynolds said that money may have been illegally used to fund the campaigns of Democratic candidates.

However, the Young Democrats of Oklahoma have failed to file any reports with the state Ethics Commission since early 2008, missing several legally required reporting deadlines that would have revealed how Henry’s money was expended.

“I don’t know why the Young Democrats would repeatedly fail to file reports in advance of the election if they have nothing to hide,” Reynolds said.

The Oklahoma City lawmaker suggested an official investigation should be launched, but noted Attorney General Drew Edmondson has also been involved campaign finance controversies. In 2007, officials learned Edmondson had given thousands of dollars in apparently illegal contributions he claimed were the result of a misunderstanding.

Edmondson also failed to investigate former State Auditor Jeff McMahan’s use of illegal straw donors in political campaigns – actions that resulted in a federal investigation and conviction for McMahan.

Records opinion affects lawmakers

Communications between lawmakers and state agencies are subject to Oklahoma's Open Records Act, according to an attorney general's opinion released Thursday.

However, lawmakers themselves do not have to disclose the communications, including e-mails, because the Legislature exempts itself from the state Open Records Act.

Public bodies including state agencies are compelled to disclose such communications with lawmakers, the opinion states.

Written or electronic exchanges between legislators are not subject to the Open Records Act, the attorney general said Thursday.

The communications aren't open because the Legislature and legislators don't come within the act's definition of a public body, Attorney General Drew Edmondson said.

The opinion requested by Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, concludes that communications between lawmakers, whether in written or electronic form, are not subject to disclosure.

The opinion written by Assistant Attorney General John Crittenden states that records of expenses incurred by legislators and their employees are subject to disclosure.

Lawmaker Alarmed by Bond Oversight Appointment

The appointment of former state Sen. Ted Fisher to the Council of Bond Oversight "is an alarming development for anyone who believes in government accountability," state Rep. Mike Reynolds warned today.

"To put it mildly, Senator Fisher has an extremely weak record when it comes to ensuring tax dollars are not wasted or funneled to questionable business transactions," said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City.

"Thanks to former Senator Fisher's actions, Oklahoma taxpayers were fleeced out of millions of dollars through a tax credit scheme."

During his time in the state Senate, Fisher (D-Sapulpa) authored the Small Business Capital Formation Incentive Act and the Rural Venture Capital Formation Incentive Act. Supporters claimed the two programs,
which provided tax credits on money invested in certain projects, would
spur economic development.

In reality, the two programs were massive tax loopholes that drained state coffers without generating new jobs, Reynolds noted.

Under Fisher's legislation, there was no requirement for a person to seek pre-approval of an investment plan to obtain the tax credits. Ultimately, individuals had the ability to borrow money to obtain tax credits whose value actually exceeded the initial loan, allowing recipients to pay off the loan and make a profit solely on the paper transaction. Apparently, some "investors" never spent a dime on any actual projects, yet they still reaped massive financial rewards.

When lawmakers finally closed the Fisher loopholes, it was unclear how much the tax credits would ultimately cost the state, but officials suggested several hundred million dollars in credits had already been issued, according to news reports at the time.

Fisher, who left the state Senate in 2004 due to term limits, has now been appointed to the Council of Bond Oversight.

"I am very concerned that someone with Senator Fisher's track record would now be in charge of a program that involves billions of dollars through the state bond program," Reynolds said. "This makes about as much sense as putting an Enron official in charge of utility regulation."

Religious Freedom Bill Headed to Governor

Legislation that would guarantee that Oklahoma students who express religious views at school are granted the same protections as students expressing secular views was sent to Gov. Brad Henry today.

House Bill 2633, by state Rep. Sally Kern, declares that students may "express their beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments" without being penalized or rewarded as long as their viewpoint is on the otherwise permissible topic. Under the bill, the otherwise permissible topic is always decided by the school.

"This bill simply ensures that students' First Amendment rights are protected," said Kern, R-Oklahoma City. "This legislation will give teachers and school administrators the guidelines and clarity they need. Unreasonable fear of lawsuits currently leads many school officials to unnecessarily censor students."

"This law will level the playing field for religious students and ensure they are not punished for simply expressing a religious viewpoint," said state Rep. Mike Reynolds, an Oklahoma City Republican who also co-authored the bill. "This legislation complies with U.S. Supreme Court rulings and I am pleased that it received such broad
bipartisan support."

Under the bill's language, students cannot be persecuted or rewarded for discussing religious views at appropriate times. The legislation requires non-discrimination and equal treatment for all Oklahoma students and provides certainty for school administrators.

The legislation effectively codifies established Supreme Court decisions in state law, providing clear guidelines to school officials who have previously been inconsistent in their approach to students' free speech rights.

House Bill 2633 also provides for Oklahoma educators to have more instruction time before students take end-of-year tests.

The bill includes language that would allow schools to administer end-of-instruction tests anytime during the final 25 days of school.

Current law requires that the tests must be administered no earlier than April 10 and "as near as possible to the end of the course."

"Teachers have been asking for more instructional time with students before the end-of-year tests are administered," Kern said. "Giving them more flexibility on the timetable should result in higher test scores."

The relaxed testing schedule will reduce the problems now created by taking a "one size fits all approach" to the more than 500 school districts in Oklahoma, Kern noted.

"Under the current schedule, a few bad weather days can really create problems for school officials who deal with a lot of uncertainty waiting for the state Department of Education to approve a new testing date," Kern said. "Also, not every school district begins the school year on the same date, which means some districts have more instructional time than others."

House Bill 2633 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on a 70-28 vote on Tuesday and now goes to Gov. Brad Henry to be signed into law. The bill previously passed the Senate 48-0.

Reynolds Warns NBA Bill Could Drain State Coffers

Legislation providing tax incentives to NBA basketball teams may contain major flaws that could ultimately drain hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars that would otherwise go to schools, roads, and health care programs, state Rep. Mike Reynolds warned today.

"We've already eliminated one major loophole that would have given millions of taxpayer dollars to out-of-state teams that simply visit Oklahoma, but this bill is still fatally flawed," said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. "Voters need to contact their legislators to voice opposition to this multi-million-dollar boondoggle."

Senate Bill 1819 would expand Oklahoma's Quality Jobs Act, originally designed to lure manufacturers to the state, to include NBA teams. The bill would permit an NBA team to receive rebates on the taxable payroll paid to players.

The bill is expected to receive a final vote in the Oklahoma House of Representatives today.

Originally, the legislation would have allowed any team that spends more than $2.5 million on payroll in Oklahoma to receive tax rebates on the payroll - which Reynolds said could easily happen in future seasons given the high salaries paid to some players.

He noted that each NBA plays 82 games in the regular season, 41 at home and 41 away. Each team faces opponents in its own division four times a year.

The Dallas Mavericks, which have a payroll of more than $105.2 million, would spend more than $2.5 million on player salaries in just two away games at Oklahoma City and would have qualified for state tax incentives under the bill's original language, Reynolds noted.

More teams are likely to reach that threshold in future years due to the rapid escalation of player salaries.

Reynolds authored an amendment to close that loophole that was originally rejected in the House, but later adopted in the state Senate.

"This bill is so poorly designed that it would have funneled millions of dollars to other states every time Shaquille O'Neal or Kobe Bryant set foot in Oklahoma," Reynolds said. "Oklahomans would have been sending their taxes to support nearly 30 teams all across the country and receiving no benefit at home."

Tardy taxpayers at state Capitol

Tardy taxpayers at state Capitol
Sun April 13, 2008

Rep. Lance Cargill, R-Harrah
Cargill filed overdue federal and state income tax returns after the Tax Commission warned him in January about missing 2005 and 2006 state returns, The Oklahoman reported earlier. He said then he was due refunds. He also paid property taxes late on his Harrah law office six years in a row. The late fees added up to more than $560.
"I take full responsibility,” he said in January.




Rep. Greg Piatt, R-Ardmore
He was late on 2004 business personal taxes on a snow cone stand. Also, his distributing company was late on 2006 business personal taxes, records show. He said the 2006 taxes were the office manager's responsibility. Late fees totaled $4.97.

"Everyone should pay what they owe,” Piatt said. "Obviously, paying late does happen. That's why there are penalties involved. You pay your stuff and you get it right the next year.”


Rep. Don Armes, R-Faxon
Armes fell behind on both income tax returns and property taxes. He was late on his 2005 and 2006 state and federal returns. He said they are in now and he got refunds. He was late on 2001 taxes on his home and 2002 taxes on a rental house. He said those were bank errors. He also was late on 2007 taxes on a house in Lawton he was renovating for sale. He paid Jan. 28, records show. Late fees totaled almost $100.

"The project took longer than expected,” he said of the fix-up house. "Once I realized that this redo house was not current, I paid those immediately, in full.”


Rep. Richard Morrissette, D-Oklahoma City
Morrissette was late four years in a row on property taxes for a rental home, The Oklahoman reported Feb. 1. Morrissette paid $271.01 in penalties and interest.

"It was an oversight,” he said in January.




Rep. Charles Key, R-Oklahoma City
Key was hit in 2006 with a tax warrant alleging he owed the state $1,525 in unpaid 2004 income taxes, penalties and interest. A Tax Commission spokeswoman said Key made a partial payment but still owes more than $1,000.

Key also was late eight years in a row on the property taxes on his home. His tardiness cost him $356.17 in penalties and interest.

"There were some mistakes made,” Key said of the tax warrant. "I take full responsibility for it. ... We got it worked out. ... It was a disagreement over how much was owed. ... There's nothing I can say to make it look good. ... I try to pay my taxes like everybody else but I'm a middle income earner and it's difficult sometimes to pay your taxes and pay all the expenses that you have.”


Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Edmond
McDaniel fell 13 months behind on 2006 property taxes on his rental properties even though he is a longtime financial adviser.

He said he had new life priorities — a marriage, a move and a new baby — and never got a tax bill. He paid the Oklahoma County Treasurer on Feb. 4 to catch up on the late 2006 and late 2007 property taxes. He also was late on some 2001, 2003 and 2004 property taxes. Late fees totaled almost $1,900.

"I'm very proud of my history of always paying everything on time and in full in every endeavor, which probably would be reflected in a consumer credit report,” he said last week. "I do know if I was ever late for any payment of any kind, whether it be a credit card payment, a phone bill or in this case, it was definitely unintentional.”


Rep. Terry Harrison, D-McAlester
He is taxed on his home, a steak house, a law office and rental houses. Some payments were late on 2004, 2005 and 2006 taxes. Late fees were about $430.

The steak house also was late in paying $778.96 in sales taxes, a tax warrant shows. Late fees on the sales taxes were $586.70.

"I have people who write checks for me,” Harrison said. "Literally. I never write any of my checks. I have employees that do. And if one of my employees was remiss in paying something on time, certainly it's my responsibility and my fault. I can't blame anyone else. ... I should have been a better supervisor.”


Rep. Phil Richardson, R-Minco
Richardson said he owns a Caddo County hog farm that has almost $2,700 in overdue real estate taxes. He said the company leasing the farm is supposed to pay.

He was late on 2004 and 2006 property taxes on his home and other land in Grady County. He paid the first half on time but missed the deadline for paying the second half. Late fees were $15.28.

"It's pretty easy to forget the second time because you pay the first-half taxes and they don't send you a statement. Sometimes it's been confusing on when that is due,” he said last week. "Basically, this past year, I just paid it all at once.”


Rep. Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa
The Tax Commission warned Shumate in January about missing 1999, 2001, 2004, 2005 and 2006 state income tax returns. He said last week he has caught up on those state returns and overdue federal tax returns, too. He said, overall, he got refunds. He plans to send in his 2007 returns today — two days early.

"You get to moving fast,” Shumate said. "I didn't check back with my tax man to make sure certain things were done. There were some years I filed extensions and I didn't follow up. I've gone throughout my district to apologize. It was a huge oversight on my part.”


Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre, D-Tulsa
McIntyre was late in paying her 2004, 2005 and 2007 property taxes on her home. Late fees totaled $21.37.

McIntyre paid her 2007 bill after a Tulsa newspaper reporter contacted her Jan. 31.

McIntyre said before then she had scolded Shumate for not filing his tax returns.

"I just chewed him out,” McIntyre said of Shumate. "And I'll be durned if I didn't get a call, too, about my property tax. ... I could have sworn last year that I paid those. I was truly shocked. Although it sounded, you know: ‘Yeah, right, here's another lying politician.' I thought I had paid it.

... We're public officials, and I have no excuse. ... It should have been done. It wasn't done. But it won't happen again. Now, that, I do know. I was on the school board in Tulsa for 16 years, starting in 1981. So I do know the value of property taxes. Definitely.”


Rep. Dennis Johnson, R-Duncan
He is taxed on his home, rental properties and business. He was late on some payments in six of the last seven years. Late fees totaled more than $340.

"One person might argue that it's neglect, and I guess, after a fashion, it is. I don't think it's entirely unusual,” he said last week. "I will admit that I've been late from time to time. It's not something I deliberately did. ... It's a difficult thing to keep track of. I'm active in my church, and I'm active in a gospel group, and I'm active in my business and I'm active in politics. ... You've got a lot of things on your plate at any given time.”


Sen. Charlie Laster, D-Shawnee
He was late four years in a row in paying real estate taxes on his home. Late fees totaled $132.94. He said he tried to pay his 2007 tax bill on time, New Year's Eve, but the courthouse was closed.

"I didn't consider it a big deal, but then there has been a lot of notoriety brought to it since then, so I'm certainly going to be more careful about it now,” Laster said last week.


Rep. Ryan McMullen, D-Burns Flat
He filed overdue 2006 federal and state income tax returns shortly after getting a Tax Commission warning in January. He said he got back more than $2,000 in refunds. He said he filed his 2007 tax returns months early.

"I've never been so on top of that in my life,” McMullen said last week.


Rep. Jerry McPeak, D-Warner
He's missed one tax deadline since elected four years ago, paying 2004 real estate taxes late. He also was late on 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2001 and 2003 real estate taxes as well as some personal property taxes. Late fees were $75.58.

"I just overlooked it,” he said last week. "I've never been in politics before. So, honest to gosh, I never worried about it before.”

Sen. Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo
He paid 2003 and 2004 property taxes late on his then-home. Late fees were $87.29. He owes $82.08, plus a $3.70 penalty, on the 2007 property taxes on his new home, records show. Taxes were due Jan. 31.

He said the treasurer sent the 2003 tax bill to the previous homeowner. He said his mortgage company made a mistake on his 2007 payment. He had no explanation for the late 2004 payment.

"I'm an imperfect human. I make mistakes,” Rabon said last week.

Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City
He was late a few weeks on his 2001 property taxes on a lot in Moore and his 2006 property taxes on his Oklahoma City home. His late fees were $32.63.

"One year, I paid ... a day late or something,” Reynolds said. "The other one, it's simply I missed it last year.”


Rep. Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell
He was late in paying property taxes on his home 13 years in a row and on rental houses some years, The Oklahoman reported Feb. 1. His explanation was he was mistaken about when property taxes were due.

"I'm not blaming anyone but myself,” Blackwell said in January.

Sen. Connie Johnson, D-Oklahoma City
Johnson missed deadlines to file her 2004, 2005 and 2006 state tax returns, records show. In January, she blamed a 2002 divorce and said she was behind on federal returns, too. She has caught up on the state returns, The Oklahoman was told.

Ethics agency will remain independent

Ethics agency will remain independent

By Michael McNutt
Capitol Bureau

Wording in legislation will be deleted that would have taken away the independence of the state's Ethics Commission, the bill's author said Friday.

"The Ethics Commission will be taken out of the bill as soon as I can physically get it out,” said Rep. Ken Miller, an Edmond Republican.

The House of Representatives late Wednesday passed House Joint Resolution 1099, which aims to give the governor authority to appoint the directors of such agencies as the Department of Human Services and the Wildlife and Conservation Commission.

A section also states the governor or his Cabinet secretary would be able to appoint a director of the Ethics Commission. The director's duties would be defined by the Legislature.

Why the change?
In 1990, Oklahoma voters passed a constitutional amendment creating a constitutional Ethics Commission to handle campaign finance reports as well as ethical conduct of state officers and employees. It is to be an independent commission, with the commissioners now in charge of hiring its executive director.

Approval of the measure would put the Ethics Commission under the supervision of the state's executive and legislative branches. Legislators now appropriate money for the commission, but the commission is to be an independent body so it can objectively look into complaints and make rules.

If approved by the Senate, HJR 1099 would be submitted to voters in November.

Gov. Brad Henry has not reviewed the legislation, spokesman Paul Sund said Friday.

"In general, Governor Henry is very protective of the Ethics Commission and opposes any effort to weaken its authority or autonomy,” Sund said.

"This is alarming,” Commissioner John Raley said of the joint resolution.

If the measure would become law as originally written, it would take away the "total and absolute independence of this body,” he said.

Commission Chairman Don Bingham said the proposal is a "direct threat to the day-to-day function of this commission.”

Where did idea originate?
Miller said the idea for the measure came from the "100 Ideas” initiative led by former House Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah. Idea No. 51 proposes changing the constitution to establish a Cabinet system of government in which the governor appoints the heads of the major departments.

Miller said House staff wrote the legislation, and the measure sailed through a House committee without a negative vote. Rep Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, pointed out the problem with language involving the Ethics Commission when the bill was discussed on the House floor Wednesday night.

Miller said he told Reynolds he would delete the reference to the Ethics Commission.

It was Reynolds who brought the measure to the commission's attention during its monthly meeting Friday at the state Capitol.

"You need to be very vigilant,” Reynolds said to the commission members.

Clause aims at power of ethics board

Clause aims at power of ethics board
By MICK HINTON World Capitol Bureau

3/15/2008

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The state Ethics Commission expressed alarm Friday that an effort may be under way to make the campaign watchdog group powerless.

Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, informed commissioners that he had discovered a clause slipped into a measure that would take away the commission's power to name its own director, "whose duties will be defined by the Legislature."

Voters established the Ethics Commission by approving a constitutional change in 1990 that set up the independent body whose major duty is monitoring political campaigns, including those of legislators.

"This is alarming when the heart and soul of the Ethics Commission is not only to operate in a nonpartisan manner but to have total and absolute independence," said Commissioner John Raley of Ponca City.

Reynolds told the commission that he learned it was former House Speaker Lance Cargill who requested the language, which Reynolds said later would "destroy the commission."

However, Cargill issued a statement that Reynolds' claim "is 100 percent false."

Cargill said he did not learn about the controversial provision until Friday.

"And today, Reynolds spun a web of deceit about me for the commission that was completely false and reckless," Cargill said. "There is no better proof than (Reynolds') actions today that the commissioners should be very careful about believing anything Rep. Reynolds said."

Rep. Ken Miller, whose House Joint Resolution 1099 contains the ethics change, also said Cargill did not have a role in getting the language inserted into the measure.

The House approved the resolution on Thursday. Cargill, R-Harrah, noted that Reynolds voted for the measure. Reynolds countered that first he managed to get the title stricken from the bill, meaning it will have to return to the House for another vote.

Cargill, who stepped aside as speaker in late January after news reports about his tax problems surfaced, had asked the House staff to put together a bill calling for changes to bolster the governor's power, which he had proposed in a "100 Ideas" book, said Miller, R-Edmond.

The Ethics Commission reportedly has been investigating activities of the House Republican political action committee in the 2004 elections, when Cargill was chairman of the PAC.

Rick Farmer, director of the House committee staff, put together the measure calling for making the directors of four agencies gubernatorial appointees. Farmer decided on his own to include the ethics director, Miller said.

Miller said Friday that in retrospect, it probably was not the best idea to take away the Ethics Commission's independence, which had been authorized by a vote of the people.

"The Ethics Commission will be taken out of the bill as soon as I can change it," Miller said.

Meanwhile, ethics commis sioners put on their April 18 agenda to discuss their budget problems. The commissioners said they will invite House and Senate leaders and the governor to attend.

Reynolds had proposed giving the commission about $300,000 more in funding after Ethics Commission officials said they have cramped quarters in the basement of the Capitol and have had to borrow paper to operate.

Miller noted Friday that their request would be a 70 percent increase at a time when there are few budget dollars.

Change alarms Ethics Commission

Change alarms Ethics Commission

By Staff reports
3/14/2008

The State Ethics Commission expressed alarm Friday that there is a movement afoot by some members of the Legislature to make powerless the watchdog group authorized by a vote of the people.

Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, informed commissioners that he had discovered a clause slipped into an ethics measure earlier that would take away the power of the commission to name its own director "whose duties will be defined by the Legislature."

Reynolds told the commission that he learned it was former House Speaker Lance Cargill who requested the language that the lawmaker said would "destroy the commission."

Cargill, who stepped aside as speaker in late January after news reports about his tax problems, has been the subject of an ethics commission probe due to questionable activities when he headed the House Political Action Committee.

The commission applauded Reynolds for bringing the information to their attention. Commissioner Don Bingham asked those who wanted such a measure put into law to publicly state why they wanted legislation that apparently would weaken the commission, which monitors political campaigns for irregularities.

Reynolds Praises Ethics Commission Reforms

State Rep. Mike Reynolds praised the Oklahoma Ethics Commission for adopting several major reforms designed to increase public scrutiny of campaign financing.

"By banning PAC-to-PAC transfers, the Ethics Commission has increased the transparency of our campaign financing system," said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. "The public has a right to know the identities of the people who bankroll political candidates. But for too long, the rich and powerful have been able to funnel large amounts of cash to their hand-picked candidates without public disclosure thanks to the PAC loophole. The Ethics Commission's decision to ban that practice is a victory for open government and accountability."

In the past, political action committees (or PACS) could contribute money to other PACs without identifying the original sources of the donations. In theory, campaign contributors cannot direct how a PAC will use their contribution, but critics believe that restriction was often violated.

Reynolds also praised the Ethics Commission's decision to limit the amount lobbyists can spend on gifts for legislators to no more than $100 per year. The previous cap was $300 per year.

"Legislators need to avoid even the appearance of
impropriety, but when lobbyists buy expensive
meals or gifts to politicians, it looks too much like
a bribe to working Oklahomans," Reynolds said.
"I'm pleased the commission reduced the amount
lawmakers can legally receive and I hope they
impose greater restrictions in the future."