OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A former Republican officeholder who was offered a newly created $250,000-a-year job as the head of a state tobacco fund is turning down the post following widespread criticism of the board for offering the position amid a state budget crisis.
Former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner and two-term Edmond Mayor Patrice Douglas said in a statement Wednesday that she decided to not accept the offer after consulting with family and friends.
Douglas said she didn’t pursue the position as chief executive officer of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, but was contacted by a search firm overseeing the hiring process.
Gov. Mary Fallin said the board’s decision to hire for the position violated the spirit of an executive order she issued last year requiring approval from a cabinet secretary before making new hires.
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