Ellis: executive branch reform would invite corruption

Sen. Jerry Ellis today criticized a plan that would send to a vote of the people a proposal to make the offices of State Superintendent, Labor Commissioner and Insurance Commissioner gubernatorial appointments.

Ellis said it was unwise to consolidate so much power in the executive branch.

“This is a scheme that simply invites temptation,” said Ellis, D-Valliant. “Reducing these offices to cabinet positions is reminiscent of Louisiana-style politics, and it would open the door to Louisiana-style corruption. They had the best government money could buy.”

Ellis said the reform would remove from the voting public their ability to determine the course of their government in a number of important areas.

“Taking away the people’s right to choose these officials is a distinctly undemocratic maneuver,” Ellis said. “Whether the governor is a Democrat or a Republican, giving them too much power is a bad idea. The people of Oklahoma deserve the opportunity to elect these statewide officials.”