Monday, December 13, 2010

Ritze Promises Medical Examiner Scrutiny

House Speaker-elect Kris Steele has appointed Rep. Mike Ritze as vice-chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Ritze says he'll use his experience to scrutinize the Medical Examiner's Office.

“I am honored by this appointment, which gives me a larger role in ensuring the proper use of taxpayer dollars in the budget,” Ritze, R-Broken Arrow, said. “I think that public safety is a core function of government, and am glad to be part of the conversation on how it is funded.”

The committee chairs will be active in advancing legislation arising from the House Republican caucus agenda while also dealing with the thousands of other bills filed each year.

“Given the significant challenges we face as a state, it is important to appropriately utilize the talents and skills of all 101 members of this chamber,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “I am confident that we have assembled a team of experienced leaders to serve as committee chairs who will develop and advance conservative, pro-growth policies that move Oklahoma forward.”

Ritze will serve alongside the committee’s chairman, Rep. Lisa Billy (R-Purcell). Ritze, who is a board-certified family practice physician and surgeon, also holds a master’s degree in Forensic Science Administration.

Ritze said that because of his background, he has also been asked to facilitate the oversight of the state medical examiner’s office.

“Speaker Steele has asked me to use my knowledge of forensic science administration to play a role in the oversight of the medical examiner’s office,” Ritze said. “The office has been plagued with problems, but I think with a number of changes that have been made and with continued scrutiny, we will see improvement.

Share |