Janey Boydston sworn in as new Muskogee Mayor

From the City of Muskogee:

BOYDSTON SWORN IN AS MUSKOGEE MAYOR 

Muskogee, Okla. – April 3, 2019:  Deputy Mayor, Janey Boydston took the oath of office today to become Muskogee’s Mayor. Boydston replaces Bob Coburn, who took office in 2012 and resigned today to become District 1 Oklahoma Transportation Commissioner.

“It’s an honor to step in for Mayor Coburn,” said Boydston. “He’s a good friend and I’m happy for him. He will make sure ODOT listens to communities like Muskogee when they are making their decisions in the future.”

Boydston has been Deputy Mayor of Muskogee since 2018 and served on the City Council from 2000 to 2008 and from 2015 until her elevation to the office of Mayor earlier today.

“Muskogee is headed in the right direction and we have an opportunity to take a big step forward with street improvements with next month’s election,” Boydston said. “I am excited to work with our great city council as we move Muskogee forward together.”

Boydston will fill the remainder of Coburn’s term, which ends in 2020. The Muskogee City Charter calls for Boydston’s council seat to be filled by an appointee selected by the remaining members of the council, to serve until the next regular election, also in 2020.

Boydston was born and raised in Muskogee. She went through the Muskogee school system and graduated from Muskogee Central High School with the class of 1951. She worked 22 years for attorneys Chester Norman, Chal Wheeler and Judge Mike Norman. Boydston owned and operated Cagle's Flowers and Gifts before turning the business over to her daughter, Becky Hearon. Since that time, Boydston has volunteered at the flower shop.

 She is an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Muskogee Rotary Club,A More Beautiful Muskogee and is interested in all things involving the growth of Muskogee and betterment of the quality of life of its citizens.

There will be a ceremonial swearing-in and reception in the City Council Chambers at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2019 before the council meeting begins at 5:30. A reception honoring Coburn and his more than seven years as Mayor of Muskogee is being scheduled and will be announced soon. 

BREAKING: Muskogee Mayor Bob Coburn resigns to accept appointment to OK Transportation Commission

Senate Pro Tem appoints Bob Coburn to transportation commission

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat announced Wednesday that he has appointed Bob Coburn of Muskogee to serve as a commissioner on the Oklahoma Transportation Commission.

Coburn is the first of two appointments the Senate president pro tempore makes to the commission following the enactment of Senate Bill 457, legislation that was part of a government accountability agreement between legislative leaders and the governor. The bill gave the governor to ability to hire the director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, and gave commission appointments to governor, House speaker, and Senate president pro tempore appointments to the commission.

“I’m proud to appoint Bob Coburn to the Transportation Commission. As a business owner and mayor of Muskogee, Bob understands how important safe and functional transportation infrastructure is to the growth of the local and state economy. The Legislature and transportation leaders in recent years have done good work over the years to improve Oklahoma’s roads and bridges, but there’s always room for improvement. I know Bob Coburn will provide great leadership at the commission to help build upon past successes,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Rob Standridge, R-Norman, said, “After meeting with Mr. Coburn, it is obvious he will be an asset to the Transportation Commission.  I wholeheartedly support his nomination.”

Coburn currently serves as the mayor of Muskogee, but will resign from that post to serve on the commission.

“I appreciate Pro Tem Treat for appointing me to this important post. Oklahoma has made great strides in improving our transportation network, but more can be done. Safe roads and bridges are critical to growing our economy and I look forward to working with the leadership at the commission and Transportation Department to do our part to grow Oklahoma,” Coburn said.

UPDATE: Mayor Coburn has confirmed with the Muskogee Phoenix and MuskogeeNow.com that he is resigning today. As current deputy mayor, Ward I Councilor Janey Cagle-Boydston will fulfill the remainder of Coburn's term. This may be a very positive thing for those in Muskogee who wish to defeat the U.S 69 bypass of Muskogee that ODOT has been planning to implement.

UPDATE 2: The folks at StopODOT.org have posted the following statement:

ODOT PUTS BYPASS ON HOLD-FOR NOW

Former Muskogee Mayor Bob Coburn Appointed as Division I Transportation Commissioner.

 On April 3, 2019 pursuant to the new law that was passed as a result of Governor Stitt 's reform of state agencies, former Muskogee Mayor Bob Coburn was appointed Division I Transportation Commissioner for the state of Oklahoma by Senate Pro Temp Greg Treat effective immediately.   Bob is an excellent choice, with experience in business, education, and governance as Mayor. We congratulate Bob and are certain he will be receptive to our concerns.  We expect an announcement should be made soon in regard to the bypass or other alternatives that ODOT may consider regarding U.S. 69 as it passes through Muskogee now that the new Director of ODOT Tim Gatz has taken over the head of the agency and with Bob as the new Division I Transportation commissioner.

In order to accept the appointment, Bob had to resign as Mayor of Muskogee. Vice Mayor Janey Boydston was sworn in as Mayor immediately after Bob resigned.

UPDATE 3: here's an update from the City of Muskogee:

MAYOR COBURN RESIGNS, APPOINTED OKLAHOMA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONER

Bob Coburn accepted the position of Oklahoma Transportation Commissioner for District 1 today, and in doing so was required to resign from his office as Mayor of Muskogee.

“I am honored to continue to represent my home community on important transportation issues,” Coburn said. “The ODOT projects in Muskogee, including a proposed bypass, have reinforced the important role transportation has on commerce in our state and especially our local communities.  I have loved being mayor, but had already announced that this would be my final term, and this opportunity gives me a way to continue in public service.”

Coburn is required by state regulations against dual office holding to resign as mayor to become Transportation Commissioner.

“If I could, I’d stay as mayor,” Coburn said. “I know the city is changing for the better. I am excited about our upcoming election to fund street improvements and I think we have a great city council that will keep us headed in the right direction.”

According to the city charter, Deputy Mayor Janey Boydston became Mayor upon Coburn’s resignation. She has taken her oath of office and there will be a ceremonial swearing-in and reception in the City Council Chambers at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8 before the council meeting begins at 5:30. A reception honoring Coburn and his more than seven years as Mayor of Muskogee is being scheduled and will be announced soon.

Coburn was appointed to his new post by Senate Pro Tempore Greg Treat earlier today.  Coburn will represent District 1 on the Oklahoma Transportation Commission.  District 1 is comprised of Adair, Cherokee, Haskell, Okmulgee, McIntosh, Muskogee, Sequoyah and Wagoner Counties.

Election Night: Coburn holds on, Holt and Murdock win

Muskogee Mayor Bob Coburn (hint for the media: he's Tom's cousin, not brother) eked out a narrow victory tonight over his ex-son-in-law Wayne Divelbiss. After polls closed, Divelbiss took an early lead, at one point nearly reaching 56%, but as the last precincts started to come in the gap narrowed.

Two precincts (including Coburn's home precinct) experienced voting machine problems; those ballots had to re-counted at the election board office. With 14 of 15 precincts reported, Divelbiss still led by over 50 votes. Coburn's home precinct was the last to be counted, and came in big for him, pushing him to a 71-vote victory.

Divelbiss ran against Coburn in the 2016 mayoral election, where Coburn defeated him 71% to 20%. This time, Coburn beat him by just 71 votes, or 2.38%.

In other Muskogee city elections, Ward I City Councilman Ivory Vann won reelection, and Jaime Stout won the open Ward II seat.

All municipal offices in Muskogee are technically nonpartisan, but Coburn, Divelbiss and Stout are registered Republicans; Vann is a prominent Democrat.

In Oklahoma City, State Sen. David Holt (R-OKC) cruised to 78% in his mayoral bid.

In the State Senate District 27 special election, State Rep. Casey Murdock (R-Felt) easily defeated his Democratic challenger.

Bob Coburn, Arthur Hulbert endorse Hammons for SD9

John Tyler Hammons, former mayor of Muskogee and a Republican candidate for Senate District 9, has released endorsements from Muskogee Mayor Bob Coburn and former HD14 representative Arthur Hulbert.

Bob Coburn:

"John Tyler Hammons and I were competitors but then we became friends. We've worked together to improve our community. It's a testament to his faith, his character, and his ability to work together to bring about positive change. He's a hard worker, diligent, and smart. I am pleased to endorse John Tyler Hammons to be our next State Senator.




Arthur Hulbert: 

"John Tyler Hammons is a conservative Christian who shares our values and who works hard to defend them. He's the kind of young leader who does what is right even when nobody is looking. I got to know him when I was State Representative and I am pleased to endorse him to be our next State Senator."



Hammons is facing Dewayne Pemberton in the June 28th Republican primary for Senate District 9. Pemberton recently retired from a 36-year career in public education, which included being principal at both Hilldale High School and Muskogee High School.

Senate District 9 covers north and east portions of Muskogee County (excluding the Fort Gibson area) and southeast and central portions of Cherokee County. The heavily-Democratic seat is currently held by Earl Garrison (D-Muskogee), who is term-limited. Two Democrats are running - Tahlequah city councilor Stephen Highers and former HD14 candidate Jack Reavis.

Muskogee Mayor/City Council candidates and ward map

The election for Muskogee mayor and city council will be held on February 9th, about two-and-a-half weeks from today. Officially, these races are non-partisan; however, voter registration can give you an idea of how a candidate leans. Given that these races tend to attract little attention, I'm posting the candidates registration, as well as a map of the Muskogee City Council Wards.

Candidates for Mayor: Three individuals filed to run for Mayor - incumbent Bob Coburn (R) and challengers Wayne Divelbiss (R) and Pete Caraway (R). Ironically, in a city where maybe 25% of registered voters are Republican, all three mayoral candidates are Republican.

Candidates for Ward I (unexpired term): two candidates filed - incumbent Janey Cagle-Boydston (D) and challenger Joshua Matthew Casarez (D).

Candidates for Ward I (full term): a whopping five people filed for this office - incumbent Lee Ann Langston (D), and challengers Patrick Cale (R), John Mark Lowrimore (D), Holly Rosser-Miller (D), and Diana White (R).

Candidates for Ward IV: two candidates filed here - incumbent Wayne Johnson (D) and challenger Lynne Wagner Wallis (R).

The election is Tuesday, February 9th.

 Here is a map showing the boundaries for each city council ward:

(click on image to view larger)

Mayor Coburn unopposed, races in all city council seats

Muskogee Mayor Bob Coburn

Candidate filing for Muskogee's January 14th municipal elections ended yesterday. For the first time since 2002, the incumbent mayor was unopposed, electing Mayor Bob Coburn to a second term by acclamation.

In Ward I, incumbent councilor David Jones has one opponent, John Mark Lowrimore.

In Ward II, incumbent councilor James Gulley unexpectedly filed for reelection after previously announcing that he was not going to, and will face off with Michelle Green.

In Ward III, incumbent councilor Randy Howard is facing two other candidate -- Dale "D." Boots and Ivory Vann.

In Ward IV, incumbent councilor Kenny Payne did not seek reelection. Running to replace him are Marlon Coleman, Claressa Vealy-Dyer, Dean Swan, and former councilor Troy Stoutermire.

Muskogee City Council Ward Boundaries

(click to view larger)

This is the first election under Muskogee's new "ward-only" voting system. Previously, candidate's had to reside in the ward they were running for, but were elected city-wide, resulting in occasions when a candidate would win his ward, but lose across the city and thus not be elected.

Coburn wins mayor, three council races go to runoff

In last night's Muskogee mayoral contest, Bob Coburn defeated David Ragsdale with a resounding 69% to 31% margin. Coburn, cousin to the U.S. Senator, vacated a city council seat to run to succeed Mayor John Tyler Hammons.

Three council wards will be having runoff elections on April 3rd. In Ward I, Lee Ann Langston (49%) and Gary Cooper (42%) will face each other again. In Ward II, incumbent councilor Shawn Raper (47%) and Dan Hall (34%) are in a runoff. In Ward III, Derrick Reed (41%) and Dale "D." Boots (33%) finish out the runoff matchups. Wayne Johnson defeated Ron Venters 58% to 42% in Ward IV.

All three ballot propositions passed, with ward-voting receiving 57%. Proposition 1 (moving election date to comply with state law) took 79%, and Proposition 3 (moving swearing in date) got 88%.

Must-Attend City Council Meeting Tonight

If you are from Muskogee, you simply do not want to miss tonight's City Council meeting.

New councilors Randy Howard and Kenny Payne will be sworn in, and the council will decide on a replacement for Bob Luttrull.

Luttrull submitted his resignation last Tuesday. Hammons nominated Craig Koele, who happens to be Hammons' mother's employer, to replace Luttrull, while Luttrull nominated Bob Coburn.

The last item on the council's agenda is to vote on Luttrull's replacement. You won't want to miss this city council meeting! The meeting starts at 7:00pm, in the council chambers on the 3rd floor of City Hall in downtown Muskogee.

I will be tweeting from the council meeting - follow the action on my Twitter account here.

Vacant Council Seat Nominations

Recently re-elected Muskogee Mayor John Tyler Hammons has announced his choice to fill the city council seat being vacated by Bob Luttrull, who resigned Tuesday afternoon for health reasons.

Mayor Hammons Nominates Local Businessman to Council Post

Muskogee, OK – Mayor John Tyler Hammons today announced his nominee for Ward I City Councilmember to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Bob Luttrull.

“I want to thank Mr. Luttrull for his work and dedication to the City Council,” Mayor Hammons said. “His family will be in my thoughts and prayers.”

To succeed Luttrull, the Mayor has nominated Craig Koele, a Muskogee businessman and hospital administrator who has served as Chief Executive Officer of Solara Hospital-Muskogee since 2006.

“I have known Mr. Koele for many years and have found him to be fair and honest in all his dealings,” said the Mayor. “He has demonstrated excellent leadership and business skills and possesses an impressive academic background. I look forward to working with him to address the issues facing Muskogee.”

Koele has been a Muskogee resident since 2007 after becoming the head of Solara-Muskogee. Koele has over twenty years of experience in the private sector as a healthcare administrator. He has previously served as the President of the Tulsa Area Mental Health Association in 2003.

"I appreciate the confidence that Mayor Hammons has expressed in me. He has made it clear that promoting job creation is a top priority of his second term, and I look forward to helping him with that effort," said Koele.

Koele, 53, is married to his wife, Kathi, and together they have one son: Quin, 15.
Mayor Hammons will official announce the nomination of Koele to the vacant City Council post on Monday, April 12, at the City Council’s regular meeting.

On the other hand, Bob Luttrull has nominated Bob Coburn as his replacement. Coburn came in second in the mayoral election that took place on Tuesday.

The city charter is vague on the replacement process; all it states is that the vacancy must be filled by a majority vote of the council. It does not say who nominates the replacement. In the past, it seems that the retiring councilman has nominated his choice, and the council has approved that replacement.

The vote to replace Luttrull will take place this coming Monday (April 12th). This will be a city council meeting you won't want to miss.

Hammons Wins Reelection, Incumbent Councilors Defeated

John Tyler Hammons has done it again, this time without a runoff. The young Muskogee mayor has won his bid for reelection, with a large enough margin of victory to skip a runoff.

Hammons was first elected in 2008, after winning the runoff race. This time, he didn't need it. He received 51.4% of the vote, or 2531 votes. Runner-up was Bob Coburn, with 29.4% (1447 votes), followed by Chris James with 17.8% (877 votes) and Teresa Garris with 1.4% (67 votes).

Not only will he be returning as mayor, but Hammons will be joined by two newly-elected city councilors. Councilman David Ragsdale lost the Ward III race to Randy Howard, 46.2% (2160) to 53.8% (2516), respectively. Councilman Jim Ritchey also lost, in Ward IV. Kenny Payne received 64% (3078), to Ritchey's 19.2% (923) and Cedric Johnson's 16.9% (812). In the school bond election, 70% (3031) of voters voted 'yes', and 30% (1300) voted 'no'.

Hammons has had a difficult time with the city council these past two years. With two new councilors, things may change for the better.

Congratulations to Mayor John Tyler Hammons, and councilors-elect Randy Howard and Kenny Payne!

Muskogee Election Results

Voting continues for the Muskogee municipal and school bond races - polls close at 7:00pm. If you have not voted, get to your polling place and vote!

I will be joining Bob Coburn at his mayoral campaign watch party, at the Indian Capitol Technology Center, and therefore will not be blogging the results.

However, I will use my Twitter account to update with election results as they come in. Keep an eye there for the results after 7:00pm.

Bob Coburn Files for Mayor

In a completely unexpected turn of events, Muskogee businessman Bob Coburn filed today for the Muskogee mayoral race. Bob is a cousin of U.S. Senator Tom Coburn. I had the opportunity to interview Bob this afternoon.

According to Coburn, people have been suggesting that he run for quite some time, although it wasn't until just recently that he started taking them seriously. In the past week to ten days, he began to pray about it, and felt that God was leading him to run. Circumstances and people in the past week kept confirming that. Yesterday, he decided to run for mayor.

When asked about his vision for Muskogee, he said that he would like to bring more cohesiveness to the city council through strong leadership. His goal is to work on a list of priorities as a council, and work toward common goals. Coburn said that he will begin to publicly flesh these thoughts out over the coming weeks.

Coburn has vast business experience, having spent about 10 years in manufacturing management with Coburn Optical, and has been involved in retail sales for about 15 years with Coburn Tuxedo's. He also operates four mini-storage facilities in the area, and has extensive commercial and residential properties across the city. He feels that this wide variety of business management is vital to leading the city of Muskogee, and that government should be run more like businesses have to (i.e. efficient, minimal waste, etc).

Bob and his wife of 38 years, Gwen, have attended First Baptist Church of Muskogee for over 25 years, where he is a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and leader in the Men's ministry. He has two children: daughter Jami [Coburn] Divelbiss and her husband Wayne (children Charlie and Carter), and a son, Joey and his wife Mindy [Parks] Coburn (children Kate and Rhett).

Also filing today was Teresa Carol Garris, also for mayor. Currently, only councilor David Ragsdale has drawn an opponent - councilors David Jones, James Gulley and Jim Ritchey have not.

The prospect of a Coburn candidacy excites me, as he is a respected member of the community, and someone with a great deal of business experience, which I feel is needed (and lacking) at City Hall. Stay tuned to this blog for the latest on the 2010 Muskogee mayoral race.