Fisher Resigns As Oklahoma Commissioner
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Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry says he has begun seeking a replacement for Carroll Fisher, the states former insurance commissioner, who resigned from his post 2 days before the start of an impeachment trial on corruption charges.
"By law, Deputy Insurance Commissioner Daryl England will serve as acting director until a successor is named," the governor said in a statement.
Henry told reporters he hopes to fill the $99,825-a-year commissioner post within 30 days.
Fishers attorney, Irven Box, delivered his clients letter of resignation earlier this month. Henry, who had asked Fisher to step down weeks ago, accepted it immediately.
Fisher has been indicted in connection with criminal charges that include allegations of mishandling charity funds and political contribution money. Earlier Fisher told National Underwriter, "I will fight this to the end."
In the past, Fisher ignored calls for his resignation from the Oklahoma attorney general and House speaker. Fisher had said he expected legislators would apologize to him after he proved his innocence.
Fishers decision to resign was, Henry says, "without question, the best course of action for the people of Oklahoma. Although 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."
Just 2 days before his resignation, Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph M. Watt had denied a request by Fisher to delay the impeachment trial that was due to begin today, ruling that "the issues presented by the specified articles of impeachment have been known by all parties for many months."
Fisher was accused in the articles of neglect of duty, incompetence and corruption in office and alleged to have:
Pocketed $1,000 in campaign money for personal use.
