Midwest City Seeks Opinion from State Attorney General on Conflict-of-Interest Concerns

With help from State Senator Brenda Stanley (R-Midwest City) as sponsor, the City of Midwest City has sent a request for an Official Opinion from the Attorney General of the State Oklahoma. The request seeks clarification on recent conflict-of-interest concerns that have arisen regarding who can legally serve as a councilmember for the city. The request includes two questions or categories that ask for clarification of conflict-of-interest language in the Oklahoma Constitution and in the Midwest City Charter. 

The purpose of requesting an opinion from the attorney general is an attempt to clear up differing legal opinions that exist on conflict-of-interest issues. In the request, the attorney general is specifically asked to define terms such as “directly or indirectly” in the Oklahoma Constitution. These terms are referring to the receipt of benefits by an elected official. The request also seeks clarification on whether or not an elected official’s employment can affect the legality of existing or future contracts between the city and that official’s employer.

Oklahoma state statute requires that Official Opinion requests to the attorney general be sponsored by an elected state official. The City of Midwest City appreciates Senator Stanley’s assistance on this issue.

There is currently no timeline for when the attorney general will be able to review the request or provide an opinion back to the city. A copy of the request sponsored by Senator Stanley is attached. Future updates on this issue will be posted to the City of Midwest City website at MidwestCityOK.org.