State Senator Wont Seek Another Term

Brooks Douglass announced on Monday that he would not seek another term in the Oklahoma State Senate. The Oklahoma City Republican was first elected to represent Senate District 40 in 1990, but now says he wants to turn his attention to private business opportunities as well as his career in the military.

"The last 12 years have been extremely gratifying. I'm proud of what I've been able to accomplish on behalf of the district and the state. But after careful consideration, I feel I am at a point in my life where I'd like to turn my attention to other opportunities," said Douglass.

During his three terms in the Senate, Brooks Douglass distinguished himself as an advocate for victims' rights. His legislation included a land-mark measure allowing family members of a murder victim to witness the execution of the person convicted in that homicide.

"There are thousands of Oklahomans who have survived violent crimes, or lost a loved one at the hands of a criminal. For too many years, their rights seemed to be non-existent while the courts seemed to bend over backwards to protect the rights of the accused. It was an honor and a privilege to bring some balance to the system on behalf of those victims," said Senator Douglass.

"Another accomplishment was authoring the Limited Liability Company Act of Oklahoma which passed in 1992. Ours was the fifth state to adopt legislation allowing the creation of limited liability companies, making Oklahoma a model for other states to follow in the creation of these new kinds of business entities," Senator Douglass said.

While in the Senate, Douglass served on several committees, and served as Vice-chairman of the Small Business and Sunset Review committees.

In addition to being a practicing attorney, Douglass has also been President of Equity Plus Mortgage, Inc. A graduate of Baylor University and Oklahoma City University and Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government, Douglass also serves on the staff of the Judge Advocate General in Oklahoma National Guard.

"I'm thankful for the opportunity I have had to serve the people of this state, and for the friendships I've enjoyed as a member of the State Senate. When you run for public office, your greatest hope is that you can somehow make things better; that you can make a difference. I believe I have, and I'm grateful to my colleagues and supporters in Oklahoma City and Senate District 40 who helped make that possible," said Douglass.