Noted Quote: Why Wasn't Scott Watching?

"From a commissioner's perspective, we had no idea this was going on, especially when the person running the agency was a previous state auditor for 20 years," (Clifton Scott, who retired earlier this year). ~ Auditor & Inspector Steve Burrage, commenting on the alleged embezzlement of more than $1.16 million by former School Land Commission executive Roger Q. Melson Jr.

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Henry Names Stimulus Oversight Panel

Governor Henry has announced the creation of a panel to help oversee Oklahoma's use of federal stimulus funds.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Coordinating Council includes state agency and executive branch leaders who already have been working on various aspects of Oklahoma's response to the stimulus funds.

Henry will be chairman of the council.

"We've been working on Oklahoma's role in the stimulus package for many weeks now, but I felt it was important to formalize the process and create an official entity to ensure that every base is covered and every stimulus dollar is used in the most effective and efficient manner possible," the governor said.

"The council will help keep the public informed about the process and interact with legislative leaders and other stimulus stakeholders as federal funds are received and allocated to important projects."

The council will hold its first meeting at 3 p.m. Friday in the Governor's Large Conference Room in the Capitol. Earlier this month, Henry appointed state Auditor and Inspector Steve Burrage to review, monitor and audit state stimulus efforts and spending

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Henry Names Burrage To Oversee Stimulus

Governor Henry today named Auditor & Inspector Steve Burrage to oversee spending of Oklahoma's portion of the federal stimulus package.

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Federal Reserve Bank: Burrage And Massey

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisition of Shares of Bank or Bank Holding Companies

The notification listed below have applied under the Change in Bank Control Act (12 U.S.C. 1817(j)) and Sec. [thinsp]225.41 of the Board's Regulation Y (12 CFR 225.41) to acquire a bank or bank holding company. The factors that are considered in acting on the notices are set forth in paragraph 7 of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1817(j)(7)).

The notices are available for immediate inspection at the Federal Reserve Bank indicated. The notices also will be available for inspection at the office of the Board of Governors. Interested persons may express their views in writing to the Reserve Bank indicated for that notice or to the offices of the Board of Governors. Comments must be received not later than September 29, 2006.

A. Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City (Donna J. Ward, Assistant Vice President) 925 Grand Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64198-0001: 1. Steve Burrage, Antlers, Oklahoma; as co-trustee of the John L. Massey 2003 Family Trusts, to acquire voting shares of Durant Bancorp, Inc., and thereby indirectly acquire voting shares of First United Bank & Trust Company, both in Durant, Oklahoma.

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Henry Appoints Burrage As New Auditor

As expected, Governor Henry today named Antlers banker and certified public accountant Steve Burrage as the state's new auditor & inspector.

He replaces the disgraced Jeff McMahan, who resigned after being convicted of multiple felonies in federal court.

"Steve Burrage has impeccable credentials and a reputation above reproach," Henry said. "He is without question the best person to serve as auditor and restore public trust in that important position."

Burrage said, “I appreciate Gov. Henry’s confidence in me and look forward to serving the people of Oklahoma as their state auditor and inspector. My top priority is to restore public confidence in the auditor’s position and ensure that Oklahoma tax dollars are being used as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

Said Senate Republican leader Glenn Coffee: “I am very hopeful that Mr. Burrage will bring integrity and honesty to the office of State Auditor and Inspector. However, former Auditor McMahan’s conviction still serves as a reminder of the mistake Gov. Henry made by vetoing legislation to create a legislative Office of Accountability and Innovation that would help the Legislature weed out inefficiency and corruption in government. As a co-equal branch of government, the Legislature should be involved in ensuring that state government is efficient, accountable, and free from corruption. Senate Republicans will push for more reforms like the Office of Accountability and Innovation during the 2009 legislative session."

“I couldn’t be happier about the Governor’s choice to appoint Steve Burrage as our state’s new auditor and inspector,” said Senator Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo. “Steve is a dear friend with a tremendous record of leadership and public service. He’s the right man to restore public confidence in the office.”

Rep. R. C. Pruett, D-Antlers, said, “He brings decades of experience to the position, and will now be able to put his expertise to use as a leader for the state of Oklahoma. Steve Burrage has been an active public servant for many years and is impeccably qualified to manage the duties of the agency. He’ll do great things for the state and bring integrity back to the office.”

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Henry To Name Steve Burrage To Post?

Capitol sources say Governor Henry will name Antlers banker Steve Burrage today as the state's new auditor & inspector.

Burrage, member of a family prominent in Democratic Party politics, has not returned calls seeking comment on his possible appointment.

Burrage is chairman of the board of FirstBank of Antlers and is a longtime Democratic Party donor. He is a former chairman of the Oklahoma Bankers Association, serves on the board of the Oklahoma City branch of the Federal Reserve, is a member of the board of The State Chamber and is highly respected as a banker and businessman.

He and other family members won praise from the Banking Board in 2000 when they took over a troubled bank in Atoka and turned it around.

Burrage supported John Edwards for president and was a donor, along with other prominent family members, including former U.S. District Judge Michael Burrage and Senator Sean Burrage of Claremore. He also was a substantial donor to Congressman Dan Boren.

Burrage is a graduate of Antlers High School and the University of Oklahoma.

Developing....

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Is Banker Steve Burrage A Candidate To Replace McMahan In Auditor's Post?

The name of Antlers banker Steve Burrage is the latest to surface as Governor Brad Henry ponders a replacement for resigned Auditor & Inspector Jeff McMahan.

Sources tell The McCarville Report Online that Burrage likely is "a very strong candidate if he's really interested."

An inquiry to Burrage, chairman of the board of FirstBank of Antlers, about his interest, if any, as yet has not been answered.

Burrage is a longtime Democratic Party donor, comes from a politically-connected family, is a former chairman of the Oklahoma Bankers Association, serves on the board of the Oklahoma City branch of the Federal Reserve, is a member of the board of The State Chamber and is highly respected as a banker and businessman. He and other family members won praise from the Banking Board in 2000 when they took over a troubled bank in Atoka and turned it around.

Burrage supported John Edwards for president and was a donor, along with other prominent family members, including former U.S. District Judge Michael Burrage and Senator Sean Burrage of Claremore. The Burrages contributed a combined $13,000 to the Edwards campaign, including $2,300 from Steve Burrage. He also was a substantial donor to Congressman Dan Boren.

Burrage is a graduate of Antlers High School and the University of Oklahoma.

Other names in the speculation include Democrats Robert Butkin, former treasurer; Laura Boyd, former House member and gubernatorial nominee; Republicans Michelle Day, who has been running the auditor's office since January; and Gary Jones, present GOP chairman who lost to McMahan in 2002 and 2006.

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