Oklahoma's governor is criticizing the state's Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust governing board for hiring a new chief executive officer at $250,000 a year.
Gov. Mary Fallin on Thursday said she has instructed Health and Human Services Secretary Terry Cline to reject the salary.
Fallin's office claims the hire violates the spirit of an executive order she issued last year requiring approval from a top statewide elected official or cabinet secretary before making new hires or offering raises or bonuses.
“This salary sends the wrong message when our state is facing a difficult economic and budget climate, Fallin said. "These are public trust funds, and the public will lose trust in this important agency if this salary takes effect.”
The trust's governing board had announced Tuesday the hiring of former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner and two-term Edmond Mayor Patrice Douglas to the post.
Fallin's office says the most recent state study on agency on the matter recommended a maximum salary of $143,714 for that position.
