Oklahoma lawmakers concerned over nomination to OU regents

(Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com)
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Members of the Oklahoma Senate are expressing concern about Gov. Kevin Stitt’s appointment of a businessman to fill a vacant seat on the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents.
Stitt has nominated Oklahoma businessman Gary Pierson to fill the seat, which requires Senate approval. Pierson is president and CEO of The Oklahoma Publishing Company, which oversaw The Oklahoman newspaper until it was sold to GateHouse Media in 2018.
The Oklahoman reports Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat is skeptical due to Pierson’s involvement with Step Up Oklahoma, a coalition of businesses that last year supported unsuccessful tax increases and government reform measures. Treat says he has told the governor’s office that Pierson’s confirmation “wouldn’t be a cakewalk.”
Pierson says he hopes his confirmation is “based on merit and not politics.”