Democrats push for impeachment of Todd Hiett amid misconduct allegations

OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahoma House Democrats are asking Gov. Kevin Stitt for a special session to impeach Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett.

The call is the caucus’ response to reports of Hiett’s sexual misconduct during a June conference in Minnesota.

The commission met Wednesday for the first time since the incident, which Hiett claimed in a statement earlier this week that he has no recollection of, was publicized.

“I am appalled and ashamed by what I have been told about my behavior while drinking in a social situation at a recent conference,” Hiett said in a statement. “I have no memory of this incident.”

Hiett said he’s entered substance abuse treatment since the conference and apologized “to anyone who was offended” by his behavior.

According to a witness statement, the person Hiett assaulted has gone before the Oklahoma Corporation Commission in the past.

House Democrats released a statement Wednesday, saying Hiett should be held to the highest standard as someone in a position of power. They want Stitt to call a special session to impeach the commissioner.

“These reported incidents are an example of someone abusing their power and status in order to intimidate and take advantage of people,” said House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. ““If we do not hold those in power accountable for their actions, regardless of their political party, they will continue to wield their power in dangerous ways.”

Commissioner Bob Anthony urges Hiett to resign immediately.

“There can be no tolerance for his actions, especially when directed toward persons whose companies, industries and/or jobs will otherwise continue to be directly affected by the regulatory decisions he makes,” Anthony said Wednesday. “The situation is untenable. Neither getting sober nor sincerely apologizing can resolve it.”

Anthony said Hiett’s immediate departure is the only corrective action possible to restore a “functional level of integrity and credibility” to the matters conducted at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission will likely conduct an independent investigation.

“I do understand, Commissioner Hiett, that you have been seeking treatment on this, and I appreciate that, but I feel it may be prudent for us to do an independent investigation that way it’s not this agency doing an investigation,” David said.

David said she doesn’t want the agency to be seen as “brushing something under the rug.”

“Maybe it would be from the Civil Service Division,” David said. “Just to look into whether anything else needs to happen or if there are any other incidents, so that we can show really clearly to the public that we take all allegations seriously and we want to protect the employees of our agency and other agencies that we deal with.”

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