Calls continue for Oklahoma Corp. Commissioner’s resignation amid finger-pointing

OKLAHOMA CITY ( KFOR ) — Oklahomans showed up to a meeting Tuesday with continued calls for Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett’s resignation, who suggested he’s been the target of another commissioner’s personal vendetta.

The comments stem from allegations that Hiett groped a man while drunk on a Minneapolis work trip back in June . Complaints to the Kansas Corporation Commission obtained by New 4 allege the incident happened at a hotel bar and involved an employee of a utility partner that reports to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

Commissioner Bob Anthony formally called for Hiett’s resignation after learning about the allegations, but Hiett refused citing that his duties were too important for him to resign; acknowledging he was seeking professional help and had no recollection of the incident.

“I think the only solution is to clean house,” Anthony said Tuesday.

Last week commissioners voted for Hiett to step aside from a more prominent role in the commission as its chair, with Commissioner Kim David replacing him.

“I’ve apologized for my abuse of alcohol, begun treatment, I’ve stepped aside as chairman of the commission,” Hiett said in a prepared statement Tuesday.

Hiett noted during the prepared statement that he would comply with an investigation that was done appropriately, but steered more towards personal attacks against Anthony, accusing him of personal vendettas.

“This is not the first time that Commissioner Anthony has placed himself above the proper process of this Commission,” said Hiett.

That statement was delivered before four speakers had the chance to address the commission about the allegations being made against Hiett, all of them calling for his resignation as opposed to continued tension.

“I don’t think people want to see an ugly, drawn out fight and mess,” said activist Jess Eddy, who spoke Tuesday. “Especially around an issue that involves somebody who’s been victimized.”

Oklahoma City faith leader Reverend Lori Walke with Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ also spoke at the meeting. She gave Hiett kudos for being willing to listen to the speakers and make eye contact with them while they shared their criticisms; but noted that his attack against Anthony was inappropriate. She said it felt like Hiett was trying to distract from “his own person fault and what he needed to do next.”

“His resignation would actually mean that he took our concerns seriously,” said Walker.

Tuesday’s meeting also included verbal acknowledgement from within the commission that an employee has already spoken out internally about concerns with Hiett’s drinking habits, but clarification on when that conversation happened could not be publicly disclosed.

Commissioners noted the commission will be part of an employee investigation to address the allegations that have been made, but anything criminal in nature would have to be addressed by Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office.

“I would like this investigation to be able to start as soon as possible,” David said during Tuesday’s meeting.

Both Eddy and Walke acknowledged the awkward and difficult position she’s been put in, but Walke argued David needs to do more.

“Commissioner Hiett has put everyone in a really difficult position, including Commissioner David, and I applaud that she is calling for an investigation and has done the work to get that started, but I am ready for her to call for her colleague’s resignation.”

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