Besieged with allegations of drunkenness and groping of a man, Oklahoma Corporation Commission Chairman Todd Hiett didn’t resign from the position on Wednesday, but he turned his chairmanship over to fellow commissioner Kim David. He did so as the commission moved to begin a formal investigation into the June incident at a national convention held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
In doing so, Hiett repeated again that he has taken the allegations seriously and is seeking treatment. He said by stepping aside as leader of the three-member regulatory group, it “would allow me more time to focus on my recovery, my spiritual healing, my physical health and my family.”
In a statement where he proposed handing over the reins of leadership to Commissioner David, Hiett promised to cooperate fully with any personnel investigation.
“I remain committed to serving my constituents and fulfilling my duties with dedication and professionalism. I ask for the public’s understanding and patience as any appropriate investigation proceeds as I work extra hard to reassure the people’s trust in me,” added Hiett.
Commissioner Bob Anthony, who has called for Hiett’s resignation, joined David and Hiett in voting to make David the new chair of the commission.
The commission expects to learn possibly this week whether a possible law firm that specializes in investigations might agree to take over the probe into the drunken ordeal, an incident that Hiett has claimed he did not remember doing.
Witnesses claim he was so drunk, he attempted to grope a man at a hotel bar where the convention was being held. The male victim is reported to be a representative of a major Oklahoma utility that goes before the commission with rate-making cases.
It was revealed during the meeting that prior to becoming the new chair, commissioner David had already been working behind the scenes with commission General Administrator Brandy Wreath to begin the investigation. She didn’t share the information until Wednesday’s public meeting.
Anthony later considered it a “hand-picked” list of people suggested by OMES and the Attorney General’s office. There was no explanation of the qualifications for such an investigator nor what such an investigation might explore.
Wreath explained during the meeting that the state Attorney General has approved a move to begin selection of a firm to conduct an investigation into the allegations. Wreath said at least 5 persons or groups have turned down the opportunity to conduct the investigation.
“As you can imagine, a number are concerned about being involved, due to the political nature and the thing they’ve seen in the news with this agency all the time—us being involved, not because of topic but because of the rhetoric that surrounds everything that happens to us.”
But Commissioner Anthony raised questions whether the process to hire an independent investigator to probe wrongdoing could actually be independent. No vote was taken whether to actually carry out the investigation.
Whichever firm might be recommended will be reviewed by the Attorney General and Wreath anticipated learning more about the choice this week.
In attempting to prevent any destruction of public documents that might be critical to the investigation, Commissioner Anthony attempted to get a vote on his proposal. Commissioner David resisted and considered the proposal too restrictive.
After the meeting, Commissioner Anthony repeated his call for Hiett to resign and he defended his actions.
“My position has not changed. Commissioner Hiett’s alleged sexual assault against the attorney of a company that appears before this commission is also an assault on this commission.
The only possible remedy to our compromised constitutional legitimacy and judicial integrity is for Commissioner Hiett to resign. It is completely unethical and unacceptable for him to continue to vote on cases impacting the employer of his victim and/or witnesses, as he did last week. Frankly, it is completely unacceptable for him to continue to occupy a seat on this Commission period.
As long as he refuses to resign, the Corporation Commission has an obligation to do everything in its power to limit the further damage Hiett is able to inflict on this agency. Removing him as chairman was an important and necessary first step. Replacing him as the OCC’s representative to the Southwest Power Pool (involving regular travel to out-of-state meetings) was another.
As OCC chairman, Hiett’s office controlled the commission calendar and was partially responsible for prematurely posting an order to approve a multi-million-dollar rate increase for a regulated utility that may have direct knowledge of Hiett’s improper behavior in June. Had a vote been taken on that order today, in my opinion, every party to the case would have grounds to appeal based solely on Hiett’s participation.
Business at the state’s most economically powerful state agency cannot be brought to a standstill while Hiett is investigated or gets “treatment” that cannot solve the integrity and credibility problem at this agency that Hiett has created.
That said, as long as Hiett refuses to do what is in the best interests of this State and this agency, I will do everything in my power to assure a speedy, thorough, and transparent investigation. It was my hope it would also be independent, professionally led and properly resourced, but if I have to conduct it myself to ensure openness and transparency, I will.
If Hiett needs to be reminded that what happened on June 9 was not an isolated incident, there are people disgusted by his behavior who are ready to step up and help him remember.”