3 days ago
Lawmakers upset after Gov. Stitt brings family member into Friesen fallout
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The back-and-forth between the governor and Republican leadership was relatively stable all session until Thursday, when Commissioner Allie Friesen was unseated.
'It's just not going to work. So I urge a yes vote,' said the author of SCR 12, Senator Paul Rosino (R-Oklahoma City).
Rosino headed a resolution that would remove Commissioner Friesen from the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Numerous issues, including the disappearance of millions of dollars and layoffs, have marked her tenure as leader of the agency.
For almost two months, there have been hearings and press conferences to address the many issues.
Throughout that time, Governor Stitt has seemed to stand by her side. When asked about her leadership, he said many times that she got rid of previous staff members and uprooted problems, and that is why the current issues are being found.
On Thursday, when there was a rumor that lawmakers were going to bring up a resolution to remove her, and with it came a statement from the governor that lawmakers did not agree with.
'From the start, this was nothing more than a politically motivated witch hunt. I tasked Allie Friesen with bringing accountability and transparency to the agency. She disturbed the status quo and questioned long-held practices at the agency. An agency rife with sweetheart deals and criminal elements was disrupted, and now, elected officials are quickly working to set the apple cart right for those who seek to get rich off of Oklahoma taxpayers. Josh West and Paul Rosino need to first answer what they stand to gain from Allie Friesen being removed. What are they trying to keep covered up? What conflicts of interest are they trying to hide? Is Senator Rosino trying to help his wife avoid responsibility for her role in the finance department there? Oklahomans deserve answers,' said Gov. Stitt in a statement.
The resolution came up for a vote on the Senate floor late Thursday, and with it were several statements from Senators shaming that anyone would bring up a family member with the vote to remove Commissioner Friesen.
Senate votes to remove ODMHSAS Commissioner Allie Friesen, will now go through the House
Senator Shane Jett (R-Shawnee), however, was not upset about that sort of statement and instead asked the question the governor seemed to be posing.
'Reports in the media indicate that there is a spouse who works in this department. Is that true?' asked Senator Jett.
Several other lawmakers on both sides of the aisle spoke out against that question even being brought up.
'I will cut your throat to protect my district, don't get me wrong. But we have, there are standards, there are rules, and we leave family out of it,' said Senator Casey Murdoc (R-Felt).
'We keep family out of it,' said Senator Aaron Reinhardt (R-Jenks).
'What a vicious and callous attack on one of the kindest, nicest, and most Christian women I've ever met,' said Senator Rosino.
In the end, the Senate passed the resolution with Senator Jett being the only no vote.
Then it went to the House, where a small handful of representatives voted no.
'ODMHSAS has taken decisive steps in recent months to confront long-standing operational and financial challenges, proactively seeking oversight and support from the executive branch, the Legislature, and independent auditors, accountants, and investigators.
While many of these reviews are still in progress, ODMHSAS has already begun implementing initial recommendations. Experts have advised that fully addressing the agency's entrenched systemic issues will require at least 18 months of sustained effort.
Though the path ahead is challenging, ODMHSAS is staffed by deeply committed public servants. Our leadership remains focused on working in partnership with Governor Stitt, legislative leaders, and the governing board to uphold a shared commitment to transparency, meaningful reform, and improved care for Oklahoma's most vulnerable citizens.'
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
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