“If they think bribery is good, that’s not Oklahoma law.” Ret. Gen. Richard Burpee
The 2-1 vote by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to dismiss the efforts of consumers for nearly $16 billion in refunds from Southwestern Bell did not come as a surprise to those making the challenge.
Commissioners Todd Hiett and Dana Murphy voted to dismiss while Commissioner Bob Anthony, a long-time critic of the bribery of then-commissioner Bob Hopkins, was the only one against the motion.
Hiett proposed the dismissal.
“To reverse at this point would be prohibited by law and devalue positions taken by the Commission,” he explained as he moved to dismiss.” It would also show our handshake at the commission no longer has value and we’re no longer standing by what he said.”
Hiett said he had a long chronological list of events in the case that sent Commissioner Hopkins and a Southwestern Bell attorney to federal prison.
“It is not in the public interest to order a refund because we’re asking for a lot of confusion and abuse,” added the commissioner.
Murphy offered few comments and joined him in voting for the dismissal.
Afterward, retired Air Force General Richard Burpee, spokesman for Oklahomans Against Bribery was surprised at Hiett’s comparison of the bribed vote to a handshake.
“I was surprised. I don’t know what he really meant by it. He thinks it ought to be dismissed and that the handshake should be solid and legal grounds to go ahead,” he told reporters.I’m really concerned because if they think bribery is good, that’s not Oklahoma law. When they think the ratepayers don’t deserve some kind of a rebate, that’s just completely wrong.”
He indicated the case would be challenged again with the State Supreme Court but continued expressing regret over the vote by Commissioners Hiett and Murphy.
“I’m very disappointed they sort of kicked the can so now it’s headed to the Oklahoma State Supreme. I don’t know why as elected officials they can’t just make a decision.