After being defeated on just about every front, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt is now taking his fight against our state's tribal nations to the roads...literally.
Over the past month or so, word has come out that a big construction project on SH9 and I-35 that's being co-funded by the state and Chickasaw Nation may be postponed because, well, Kevin Stitt is a petty, passive-aggressive turd who for some reason has a hardcore agenda/vendetta against Oklahoma's tribes.
Here are the details via The Oklahoman_:
A road project to remedy choke points on State Highway 9 near I-35 and the Riverwind Casino has become embroiled in tensions between Gov. Kevin Stitt and Native American tribes and may be delayed, despite years of planning and an apparent agreement between the transportation department and the Chickasaw Nation.
Tim Gatz, executive director of the Oklahoma Transportation Department, said Monday that the project will be reevaluated and a broader solution sought for the congested area in fast-growing McClain County.
Gatz, who was appointed by Stitt and serves as the governor’s transportation secretary, told the transportation commission that he was also instituting a new protocol for road projects undertaken with tribal partners. He said it was “prudent under the current uncertain conditions” to seek advice from Stitt’s office when considering agreements with tribes.
As we know, Stitt is heavily inspired and influenced by Donald Trump, so it's weird to see him go full Chris Christie here. Could this be another sign that ole' Stitter is looking for a scandal to boost his potential presidential run in 2024??? I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Just like the millions and millions of motorists who have been stuck in traffic due to I-35 road construction over the past 50 years, the Chickasaw's are naturally upset by the potential delay. They're claiming the Governor is playing petty political games, and have tapped one of the few politicos in this state who may even be less likeable than Stitt to go to bat for them: