September 17, 2013
For Immediate Release
Contact: Trav Robertson
P: 405.427.3366

 

FALLIN, CLEVELAND BREAK LAW–WHERE WAS WESTON? 

WESTON’S HYPOCRISY COVERS FOR LEGISLATOR’S VOTES AGAINST KIDS 

 

Oklahoma City – Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Dave Weston took the non-partisan issue of saving children’s lives and turned it into an irresponsible partisan attack on two Democratic Representatives who promoted a petition aimed at saving the lives of Oklahoma children saying, “…initiative petitions should be funded by those who believe in them, not the taxpayers.”

“The first question is obvious. Does Mr. Weston not believe that an elected official’s responsibility is to protect our citizens? Second, where was Chairman Weston’s moral outrage when Representative Bobby Cleveland broke the law to promote his failing business not once, but twice?” asked Oklahoma Democratic Party Executive Director Trav Robertson.

 

Robertson continued, “It is hard to believe that Chairman Weston would rather viciously attack Representatives trying to build storm shelters for Oklahoma’s school children.”

 

Chairman Wallace Collins stated, “This is another example of the Oklahoma GOP turning their heads when members of their elite break the rules. In February 2013, Governor Mary Fallin used the resources of her office, taxpayer dollars, to lead the fight against secondhand smoke. I want to know if he is against Governor Mary Fallin– he has no moral opposition to that? How is this any different?”

 

“The Republican Party brand of hypocrisy is getting old,” continued Chairman Collins, “Why doesn’t Chairman Weston just come out and admit that he is only trying to cover for the 57 Republicans who voted against building storm shelters to protect our children in the $30,000 a day special session?”
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Exhibit A: Governor Mary Fallin’s Petition Email

From: Governor Fallin Press [press@gov.ok.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2013 2:05 PM
To: Governor Fallin Press
Subject: PRESS RELEASE: (Photos Attached) Gov. Mary Fallin To Lead Initiative Petition Drive On Second Hand Smoke Reduction Measures[cid:image003.jpg@01CE0E95.28165030]OFFICE OF GOVERNOR MARY FALLINMEDIA CONTACTS:

Alex Weintz, Communications Director

Alex.Weintz@gov.ok.gov<mailto:Alex.Weintz@gov.ok.gov>

(405) 522-8819

Aaron Cooper, Press Secretary

Aaron.Cooper@gov.ok.gov<mailto:Aaron.Cooper@gov.ok.gov>

(405) 522-8878

Web:  www.governor.ok.gov<http://www.governor.ok.gov>
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/GovernorMaryFallin<http://www.facebook.com/GovernorMaryFallin>
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/GovMaryFallin<http://www.twitter.com/GovMaryFallin>

________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2013

Photo caption:  Governor Mary Fallin today announced plans to put tobacco regulations aimed at reducing second hand smoke to a vote of the people.  Fallin, who was joined by community leaders and health care professionals at an event hosted by the American Cancer Society, said she would lead an initiative petition drive on the issue.

Governor Mary Fallin To Lead Initiative Petition Drive On Second Hand Smoke Reduction Measures OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced plans to put tobacco regulations aimed at reducing second hand smoke to a vote of the people.

Fallin, who was joined by community leaders and health care professionals at an event hosted by the American Cancer Society, said she would lead an initiative petition drive on the issue. While details of the petition have not yet been finalized, Fallin announced the creation of a new website, www.DontSmokeOnMe.com<http://www.DontSmokeOnMe.com>, where Oklahomans can sign up to receive more information.

Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including hundreds that are toxic and approximately 70 that can cause cancer. It causes an estimated 46,000 heart disease deaths and 3,400 lung cancer deaths annually among adult nonsmokers in the United States.

“Improving health and wellness in Oklahoma is a priority for me,” said Fallin. “Any plan that seeks to improve health outcomes will have to address tobacco.  Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death in Oklahoma, killing 6,000 men and women each year. Hundreds of these people aren’t even smokers, and have instead fallen ill as a result of second hand smoke.”

“It’s time to let voters decide whether or not they want clean air in public places like bars and restaurants. I believe the answer will be ‘yes.'”

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