The Oklahoman
Gov. Mary Fallin’s legal counsel Steve Mullins, who testified before a state grand jury investigating an execution drug mix-up, resigned Thursday.
Mullins has served as the governor’s general counsel since February 2012.
His last day in the governor’s office will be Feb. 29.
In his resignation letter, Mullins praised Fallin, saying she had a “heart for God and the people of Oklahoma.”
He said he greatly enjoyed his job: “Each day was a wonderful adventure.”
“However, at a time when the state is facing tough financial decisions, I know that the office needs to eliminate personnel costs in the upcoming budget.
“I have also been advised by my doctor that I need to better control the stress in my life.”
He said he was taking “a voluntary buyout.”
Fallin said he served well.
“I appreciate Steve’s advice, loyalty and professionalism during the time he has served as my general counsel. He has served the state and my office well. I wish him the best in his future endeavors,” she said.
No further details were released.
Mullins becomes the third person who testified before the grand jury in October to step down from state employment.
I don’t think the Daily Oklahoman’s article insinuating that Mullins’ resignation has some nefarious connection to the “botched execution” is fair. For goodness sake, they wrote it into the first and last sentence of the story. Too often the media is quick and loose to cast disparaging shadows on some public official’s reputations.
While the first amendment is a crucial tenant to a free society, there is a moral responsibility that attaches to that right. This story is another example of why the media’s level of trust with the public is in the gutter. Shame on the Oklahoman and the reporter who wrote that story.