Oklahoma Commissioner Out of Office

With legal questions floating over him, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher resigned from office on Friday. The follow are comments from Gov. Brad Henry on the resignation.

“At approximately 10:15 Friday morning, Carroll Fisher’s legal counsel delivered a letter of resignation to my office. I accepted Mr. Fisher’s resignation effective immediately,” Gov. Henry said.

“For a number of weeks, I have urged Mr. Fisher to put the needs of Oklahoma first, do the right thing and step down from his position. In light of the criminal charges and impeachment proceedings pending against him, his decision to resign was, without question, the best course of action for the people of Oklahoma. Although Mr. Fisher can continue his legal battles as a private citizen, our state will be spared the cost and damage of an ouster trial in the Senate.

“After receiving his resignation, my office immediately contacted the state Insurance Department to ensure that the services it provides Oklahomans would continue to be delivered in a timely and efficient manner. By law, Deputy Insurance Commissioner Daryl England will serve as acting director until a successor is named.

“In accordance with the Oklahoma Constitution and state statutes, I will begin the process of appointing a new insurance commissioner. I will approach this position as I do every appointment, seeking the best person for the job. I am confident this process will produce a highly-qualified commissioner with unquestioned honesty and integrity.”

Editor’s note: Fisher had been scheduled to begin an ouster trial in the Oklahoma State Senate on Monday, Sept. 27.