Oklahoma Commissioner Vows To Beat Impeachment
The way indicted Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher explains it, his legal difficulties arise from some minor procedural snafus and a newspaper vendetta. However, the state legislature views things differently.
Two weeks ago, as he sat in the Oklahoma House of Representatives gallery, its members unanimously approved five articles of impeachment for neglect of duty, incompetence and corruption in office. Last week the Senate set a Sept. 27 date for his impeachment trial and passed a resolution setting rules for that process.
Mr. Fisher was not around when the Senate acted. After the House vote, he flew off to represent his state at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners meeting in Anchorage, Alaska. "Ive got a job to do and I continue to do it even with the distractions," he explained. Fellow commissioners at the meeting were "all very supportive," he said.
Mr. Fisher, who also faces criminal charges in state court, was accused by the state House of pocketing $1,000 in campaign money for personal use, putting money for a continuing education program in private accounts rather than with the state treasurer, as well as using his office to solicit for a private charity.
The articles also charged him with using his official position to dig up confidential information about a political opponent.
According to Article Four of the charges, Mr. Fisher overruled his staff and personally managed the approval of the Gene Phillips Group acquisition of American Reserve Life Insurance Company, and then solicited the Group for $20,000 that he used to furnish his state office.
Mr. Fisher said his difficulties with the foundation were based on his failure to file "a $15 form" that neither his attorney nor accountant was aware of. The $1,000 contribution was in his account while he was waiting for the donor to send back a contribution form, Mr. Fisher said.
Regarding the Gene Phillips transaction, Mr. Fisher said that it involved 154 policies and that he overruled staff because "they are not elected to make the decisions." The company gave furniture "to the State of Oklahoma" and in taking it he was saving the state money, he explained.
According to Mr. Fisher, his problems are the result of a campaign by the Oklahoman of Oklahoma City that resulted from his failure to purchase print advertising during his run for office. "They are vicious people," he said.
Sue Hale, Oklahoman executive editor, said the paper had nothing to do with the investigation of Mr. Fishers activities. "The grand jury investigation [which preceded the impeachment inquiry] was started by the [state] attorney general, and all we did was report the news, right down the middle as we do in any case."
Mr. Fishers charge that the paper had a grudge because he didnt advertise is "not true. Most candidates dont purchase print advertising," Ms. Hale said.
During his tenure the amount of state revenue his department brings in has increased to $187 million from $53 million. "We have done a good job. You dont hear the industry complaining. You do hear the daily Oklahoman," he said.
He is free on $1,000 bail after his criminal indictment in February for allegedly embezzling departmental funds and mismanaging his charity that was supposed to buy shoes for poor children.
Mike Ray, the Oklahoma House media director said the state's governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and House speaker had all called on Mr. Fisher to step down, but "the man is obtuse. He says he's awaiting an apology."
Mr. Fisher said he is "confident when the facts are out" it will be proven that he had no criminal intent. "I will fight this to the end," he promised.
Reproduced from National Underwriter Edition, September 16, 2004. Copyright 2004 by The National Underwriter Company in the serial publication. All rights reserved.Copyright in this article as an independent work may be held by the author.
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