TSET head’s $250K salary violates ‘spirit’ of order, Fallin says

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma’s governor is criticizing the state’s Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust governing board for hiring a new chief executive officer at $250,000 a year.

Gov. Mary Fallin on Thursday said she has instructed Health and Human Services Secretary Terry Cline to reject the salary.

Fallin’s office claims the hire violates the spirit of an executive order she issued last year requiring approval from a top statewide elected official or cabinet secretary before making new hires or offering raises or bonuses.

The trust’s governing board had announced Tuesday the hiring of former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner and two-term Edmond Mayor Patrice Douglas to the post.

Fallin’s office says the most recent state study on the matter recommended a maximum salary of $143,714 for that position.