05-06-2025
Gov. Stitt regrets calling out Senator's wife before Friesen firing
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Even though Governor Stitt led the 'Disagree Better' campaign last year, it was his statement to lawmakers Thursday that had them saying he should've disagreed better.
His statement came before a vote was made to fire now-former Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Allie Friesen.
He said in part, 'Is Senator Rosino trying to help his wife avoid responsibility for her role in the finance department there?'
Lawmakers upset after Gov. Stitt brings family member into Friesen fallout
Senator Rosino was the Senator leading the way for the vote to fire her.
This statement from the governor, as well as an early video telling Oklahomans to look closely at their lawmakers, seemed to spark outrage and lead to many veto overrides as well.
You led the Disagree Better campaign last year. But your statement on Thursday seemed to call out a Senator's wife and sparked some outrage. Do you regret your statement, and do you think you should've disagreed better?
'Do I regret—and I didn't use his wife's name—I just said, hey his wife— and yes, I do regret that. I called and apologized to him and his wife, and I let my emotions get the better of me, and I shouldn't have done that.'
These emotions, though, have caused concern from some lawmakers as the governor now has the final say on some bills. There are around 20 or so left on his desk.
Will those emotions go into how you act on those bills?
'Not at all—we'll do as a team like we always do. We'll look at all these different bills and analyze them based on their merits, is it good for the taxpayers,' said Gov. Stitt.
This week, the governor announced the new interim Mental Health Commissioner, retired Rear Admiral Gregory Slavonic. He was chosen after the Senate and House voted to remove former commissioner Allie Friesen, following various budget issues.
'It is no secret that the Department of Mental Health has long needed reform,' said Gov. Stitt. 'It is imperative that Admiral Slavonic is allowed to do the hard work needed to remove corruption and conflicts of interest without political interference. There are brighter days ahead for this department and those who rely on its services. I'm grateful to Admiral Slavonic for his willingness to set another Oklahoma agency on the right course.'
The problems that have come out of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services are far from over, as millions are still missing.
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