"The bottom line is he wants to find the best person for the job and not rush into

what is going to be a very critical appointment." Gov. Henry spokesperson Paul Sund

THE ROAD NOT TAKEN!

By Steve Fair

Governor Brad Henry has appointed a southeast Oklahoma banker, Steve Burrage, as State Auditor. Blackjack made the announcement at a news conference this morning. Evidently Burrage had been sworn in before the Guv introduced him to the public.

Henry said, “Steve Burrage has impeccable credentials and a reputation above reproach. He is without question the best person to serve as auditor and restore public trust in that important position.”

Burrage said he did not expect to make any changes in the auditor's staff. Burrage said “My top priority is to restore public confidence in the auditor’s position and ensure that Oklahoma tax dollars are being used as efficiently and effectively as possible.” Burrage,56, contributed $4,000 to Henry's 2006 election campaign. This revives memories of former Governor David Walters' donations for jobs scheme. Who says campaign contributions don't pay dividends?

At the news conference announcing his appointment, Burrage said if he thought he was doing a good job, he would run for a full term for Auditor in 2010. Burrage is a long time banker and is a CPA. His resume qualifies him for the job, but several questions arise from this appointment?

(1) Did Henry really seek the most qualified person for the job as State Auditor? The job of state auditor is not just to perform accounting functions, but to root out corruption and fraud in government. NO ONE in Oklahoma has done that better than Gary Jones- period. A green-billed accountant may find some fraud if the books are cooked, but Jones has a knack for seeing something beyond the balance sheet. The State Auditor should be someone that has a nose for that type of thing. It doesn't appear Burrage has that skill. If he did, then why didn't he "blow the whistle" on what was happening in SE Oklahoma long before the feds got involved? One interesting note- Burrage's brother is one of the two attorneys representing former State Senator Gene Stipe in his competency hearing.

(2) Why did Steve Burrage take a job making substantially less than he currently earns? I know the classic answer is his unselfish willingness to serve the public, but that doesn't make sense and is usually all spin. Burrage is on the board of SE Oklahoma University, the Federal Reserve, and the Bankers Association. Why would he unselfishly give those influencial positions up to take the State Auditors job? The answer is- he wouldn't- Burrage is either ambitious and plans to seek a higher office or he has been appointed to make sure another skeleton doesn't fall out of the closet for the Democrats. Since Blackjack Henry's name was mentioned during the McMahon trial as having received "STRAW DONOR" contributions, perhaps the Governor wants someone in the SA&I job that is undeniably loyal.

(3) Why would Burrage say he will not make changes in the Auditor's office? I realize that is the classic line anytime there is change in an organization at the top, but if Burrage is truly going to "restore public confidence" in the Auditor's office, why would he make this statement knowing the turmoil and confusion that has surrounded the office. At the very least, the statement was one of poor judgement. We need change in the auditors office that may necessitate personnel change. Burrage should have simply kept his mouth shut about staff and possible organizational changes at the SA&I office.

(4) Does this leave any doubts about Brad Henry's true values? Repeatedly during this "search" process, Henry's spokesman has said that Henry was considering EVERYONE regardless of party affiliation. That statement was not true and with this appointment, it's clear Henry is nothing less than a party hack. Henry had a unique opportunity to right a wrong and show a non-partisan side by appointing the guy who was cheated out of the election- not once, but twice. Appointing Jones would have been a brilliant move politically. But Blackjack is a partisan and with this appointment, he showed his true partisan colors. His ambition to be US Senator from Oklahoma may have melted away with his unwillingness to be bi-partisian. Oklahomans vote Republican when it comes to our Congressional delegation. Henry had a "defining moment" and he proved proved he was nothing less than a party hack with this appointment.

Filling the State Auditor's position was a "CRITICAL APPOINTMENT" and by appointing Burrage Henry did the predictable, safe thing and appointed a fellow Democrat- a contributor- a supporter. It's not a surprising move, but it is a disappointing one because the Governor had an opportunity to take the road less traveled- one that could have made ALL THE DIFFERENCE in Oklahoma's future.

Robert Frost published a poem in 1916 entitled The Road not Taken (below). The poem illustrates how when we take the path of least resistance we miss out on MAKING A TRUE DIFFERENCE.

THE ROAD NOT TAKEN

by Robert Frost

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.