Another former legislator joined a State Supreme Court lawsuit challenging Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett’s holding of the office.
Former Rep. Mike Ritze of Broken Arrow recently became the second person to file an amicus brief in support of the lawsuit filed June 30 by former Rep. Mike Reynolds of Oklahoma City. The suit, filed as PR-119686, contends Hiett violated his oath of office and the state constitution over an alleged conflict of interest involving his membership on the board of directors of SpiritBank.
Ritze filed his supporting brief on July 13, a day after Todd Hagopian, a former Libertarian candidate who lost last year in a challenge to unseat Hiett, filed his challenge.
“Todd Hiett’s removal from office is in the best interests of Oklahoma, not to mention, long overdue,” stated Ritze in his supporting brief.
Ritze also raised other issues claiming “Hiett’s relationship with SpiritBank is connected to several other unlawful avtivities.”
His brief alleged “undisclosed SpiritBank loans and illegal personal loans payments from campaign funds.” Ritze also charged Hiett with “illegal use of campaign funds for yet more personal expenses.”
Commissioner Hiett, who maintains his legal advisors believe he has not violated the constitution has until Tuesday to file a response with the Supreme Court.
The Court set oral arguments to be heard July 28 at 10:30 a.m.
Click here to view the Ritze allegations:
file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/1049898893-20210713-145525-%20(1).pdf