Representatives Kevin West and Tom Gann are echoing Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony’s sentiments concerning Commissioner Todd Hiett not recusing himself in certain cases concerning ONG.
Hiett has been accused on acting inappropriately while drinking at a conference in Minneapolis earlier this year. That incident appears to have involved someone who occasionally represents ONG before the Corporation Commission. Other allegations have been raised concerning a possible incident between Hiett and two Corporation Commission employees in Oklahoma City.
Hiett is undergoing treatment, and an independent investigation is underway.
West and Gann are considering filing a writ of prohibition against Hiett.
“Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett’s admission of public drunkenness, alleged sexual assault, alleged harassment and his alleged drunk driving should be enough for any decent individual to disqualify himself from cases at the OCC involving the victims or witnesses to his alleged crimes. Multiple news articles report that these complaints include employees and representatives, including attorneys, of public utility companies the OCC regulates,” the representatives said in a joint statement.
Hiett recently voted on a $31 million dollar case involving ONG. Anthony called on Hiett to recuse himself from the votes. He’s also questioned the independent investigation.
West and Gann also believe the investigation is not straightforward.
“This seems like a way to slow play the investigation, allowing Hiett to continue voting on these matters in which he cannot remain objective. How convenient,” the representatives said.
