After years of driving public policy in Oklahoma through the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, Governor Frank Keating shocked his supporters and followers when he announced on Sept 24th, 2020, that he was stepping down from the OCPA.
This move followed recent events that were at odds with the principles he held and those he championed by being on the OCPA. For more than a decade-and-a-half, people who believed in limited government, fiscal responsibility, and individual liberty had seen someone stand up for them - but no longer will they have Governor Keating fighting in their corner, at least as a member of the OCPA.
Although it came unexpectedly to many onlookers familiar with Oklahoma politics over time, understanding why Keating made this step proves how committed he is to these values, even if it comes at an unexpected personal cost.
The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA)
The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) is a conservative think tank founded in 1993 by business and community leaders. The OCPA has long advocated for far-right conservative causes. The OCPA's mission is to "foster productive dialogue on significant public policy issues and challenge Oklahomans to ask hard questions and develop reasonable solutions."
Background
Frank Keating was Governor of Oklahoma from 1995-2003, during his terms he spearheaded various initiatives related to economic development, and education reform. Governor Keating took office following a difficult period for the state - he had to rebuild an economy severely damaged by a downturn in the oil market and make budget cuts to reduce Oklahoma's debt burden.
He worked closely with the OCPA during his time in office, collaborating on public policy initiatives . Keating served as Chairman of the OCPA after leaving office until his resignation.
Governor Keating's Resignation
In a letter addressed to OCPA board chairman Larry Parman, Keating expressed his frustrations with the OCPA's tactics and support of State Question 805. Keating wrote he was, "increasingly disturbed by the ominous government-sponsored activity affiliated with OCPA" and that while he believed in their principles, he could no longer continue to be associated with them.
Keating was concerned about the OCPA's "lack of willingness" to engage in a meaningful dialogue on criminal justice reform. Keating felt the OCPA wasn't doing enough to advocate for reform and was instead taking "dirty tactics" in its attempts to pass State Question 805, which Keating felt was a distraction from the much-needed criminal justice reforms he has long been a proponent of. Keating stated his beliefs in conservative principles hadn't changed, but he didn't think they should be used to undermine democracy or threaten the rule of law.
A Call For Change, Unity And Open Dialogue
Governor Keating's resignation from the OCPA marks a significant shift in Oklahoma politics and sets an important precedent for future leaders. Keating's resignation is a clarion call for open dialogue between all sides of the political spectrum, calling for civil discourse and compromise that puts the people first.
Keating's resignation reminds everyone the shared goal remains to create a thriving future for all Oklahomans - one rooted in togetherness and understanding through dialogue and collaboration.
