Oklahoma Attorney General calls for accountability amidst strained tribal relations
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Oklahoma's Attorney General Gentner Drummond is continuing to clash with Governor Kevin Stitt over tribal relations and working towards long-term improvements.
During a town hall in Glenpool last Monday, Drummond made it clear that he and Stitt have starkly different views.
"The Governor and I cannot be further apart philosophically on this issue, and we simply disagree," said Drummond.
Drummond noted that while some court decisions over recent years may have complicated Oklahoma law, it's important to continue to foster healthy relationships with tribes instead of icing them out.
The most recent example comes ahead of a Special Session Monday of the Oklahoma legislature set to discuss bills related to two bills. Lawmakers are set to reconvene at 9:00 a.m. on Monday. The bills revolve around tribal compacts and would see changes to how the state and tribes share revenue generated from taxes on tobacco sales and motor vehicle tags. The Governor vetoed both bills, leaving legislators to decide whether or not they want to override them.
In a video released earlier this week, Stitt made it clear that he will not be swayed into unfavorable deals for Oklahoma taxpayers. He accused some tribal leaders of seeking better arrangements through the legislature, questioning their fairness in the process.
"The same intent and understanding of the compacts are still there, but there are tribal leaders who believe they can get a better deal from the legislature," said Stitt.
The situation led to a response in another video from the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, Chuck Hoskin Jr., who denied that was the case and asked lawmakers to consider the consequences.
"If the vetoes aren't overturned we could go back to the days of expensive lawsuits and business disruption," said Hoskin Jr. "The state will lose revenue."
Hoskin Jr. was also critical of another video produced by the Governor's office earlier this week that he believes took a jab at court decisions related to tribal sovereignty.
"To the extent that he continues to sow division and attack tribes and tribal sovereignty, he's consistent. Because he's consistently done that," said Hoskin Jr.
Drummond said he believes that it is crucial to find solutions to the ongoing conflict instead of resorting to divisive tactics. He emphasized that avoiding the issue or engaging in antagonistic behavior will not lead to progress.
"To think that we can put our hand in the sand or hold our breath and pound the table is amateurish and it's not going to find us solutions. So we have to fix our issues," said Drummond.
Hoskin Jr. also echoed the need for change in Oklahoma's approach and said he believes the Attorney General has the right idea.
"I think he wants to end what he believes, and that's my reading of his statements lately, are pointless legal attacks against the tribes, or pointless legal positions," said Hoskin Jr. "I think that's why we have a good relationship with him."