Henry Names Pete White To Air Quality Council

Governor Henry has named Oklahoma City Councilman Pete White to the state's Air Quality Advisory Committee.

White's term is seven years.

He represents Ward 4 and is chairman of the city's Water Utilities Trust and the Judiciary Committee.

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Corporation Commission: Possible '08 Candidates Await Henry's Replacement For Bode

Capitol sources say some Republican politicians are preparing to run for the Corporation Commission seat being vacated by Republican Denise Bode, but the possible candidates are waiting to see what Democrat Henry names to replace her before they talk openly about their plans.

Bode has resigned effective May 31st to take charge of a new energy industry association in Washington. She's been a commissioner since she was appointed by then-Governor Frank Keating.

While there are 3-1/2 years remaining on Bode's term, the person Henry names to replace her will serve until the 2008 election.

Sources say two ambitious GOP legislators, House members Dennis Adkins and Rob Johnson, are talking to some about their possible candidacies.

Adkins, 43, is chairman of the House Energy and Technology Committee. The Tulsan has been in real estate and is term-limited in 2012.

Johnson, 33, is majority whip. He is an attorney and is term-limited in 2016. He served as a legislative expert for former Congressman Wes Watkins and for Congressman Tom Cole.

Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl about those Henry might name to replace Bode. The resignation of former State Treasurer Robert Butkin as dean of the Tulsa University School of Law prompted rumors Butkin is in the running. But in resigning the top TU post, Butkin said he wanted to spend more time with his wife and three children. That was essentially the reason he gave for resigning as state treasurer; his family lived in Tulsa and he grew weary of the commute and absences from the family. It seems unlikely he now would take on an equally-demanding Oklahoma City job unless he plans to move to the city, and those who know him say that is unlikely.

The names most heard are those of Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth and Oklahoma City Councilman Pete White. Roth has let his interest in the post be known and has met with Republican Commissioner Bob Anthony. He reportedly has the support of Capitol lobbyist Pat Hall and others. White, a former Democratic Party chairman, also has support from numerous legislators and, it is said, from many in the energy industry.

Henry has given no indication yet of who he will name; he has said he hopes to have an announcement before Bode's official resignation date the end of this month.

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Roth, Anthony Confer At Corporation Commission

Insiders report that Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth met with Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony today for about an hour. The meeting fuels speculation (perhaps incorrect) that Roth may have moved to the top of the list of those Governor Brad Henry is considering as a replacement for Republican Denise Bode, whose resignation becomes effective May 31st.

Roth's name has surfaced in some key Democrat circles; he apparently has the active support of lobbyist Pat Hall and others.

Roth apparently arranged the meeting with Anthony on his own. At the urging of those who want him to be named to the post, Roth reportedly contacted Henry's office to discuss his interest and followed up by meeting with Anthony, the veteran Republican commissioner.

Henry has given no indication of those he's considering and a source says it's not likely Henry will make an immediate appointment.

Oklahoma City Councilman Pete White and Pete Regan, former chief of staff for Congressman Dan Boren and a 2006 candidate for lieutenant governor, also have been mentioned.

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Add Pete White To Corp Comm Speculation List

Add the name of veteran Oklahoma City Councilman Pete White, a former Democratic Party chairman, to the list of those Governor Brad Henry may consider for appointment as corporation commissioner to replace Republican Denise Bode. Capitol sources confirm that some Democrat legislators are prepared to urge Henry to consider White for the position.

Bode has resigned effective May 31st with three and a half years remaining in her term. A replacement named by Henry will serve until the 2008 election.

White served on the Oklahoma City Planning Commission from 1980 to 1982, the last year as its Chairman. He was first elected to the City Council in 1982 to fill the remainder of the term vacated by the previous councilman. He was reelected in 1985 to a full four year term.

An attorney, White served as chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party from 1989 to 1992.

In January 2005, the council chose him to serve the remaining term of office of a departing council member. He was elected to a full four year term in April, 2005. He is currently the Chairman of the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust, a post he held previously from 1984 to 1989. He also serves on the City Council Finance Committee, Social Services Committee, and Judiciary Committee.

White was the first Chairman of the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority, serving from the trust's creation in 1985 until 1989. He also served on and chaired the Oklahoma City Convention and Tourism Trust from 1985 to 1987. He served as Vice-Chariman and Chairman of the Sooner State Games from 1982 to 1997.

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