We have a new leader in the fight to turn Oklahoma into a modern-day theocracy that uses taxpayer dollars to proselytize Christian religious beliefs to Oklahoma students!
Yesterday afternoon, Kevin Stitt announced that he’s appointed Ben Lepak—a guy who looks like he buys himself Pepperidge Farms for Christmas—as his general counsel. He replaces Trevor Pemberton – the kid with the bow tie – who replaced the “Hot Girl Chloe Needs to Be Punished” lawyer.
You can check out the press release below.
When you do, remember that it doesn’t mention Ben is the son of State Rep. Mark Lepak and the brother of State Board of Education member Sarah Lepak—the QuikTrip attorney with no judicial experience who tried to sneak onto the Oklahoma Supreme Court in 2019 because her mom, Linda Lepak, served on the nominating commission.
It also doesn’t mention that he served on the State Charter School Board that tried to ram through a Catholic public school.
Basically, the release conveniently ignores the real reason Ben got the job—he’s an Oklahoma political nepo-baby who wants to help Stitt make Oklahoma a theocracy.
Governor Kevin Stitt announced that Ben Lepak will join his administration as general counsel.
"Ben has worked tirelessly in the public and private sectors to advance free market principles," Gov. Stitt said. "I’m excited to add his legal and policy expertise to my team as we continue to make Oklahoma a top 10 state for business."
Lepak currently serves as executive director of the State Chamber Research Foundation, where he leads efforts to develop free-enterprise-oriented public policies aimed at improving Oklahoma’s economic competitiveness.
Yep, Stitt’s going to make Oklahoma a “Top 10 State for Business” by, uhm, hiring a guy from the right-wing organization that’s failed miserably at making Oklahoma an economically competitive bank.
I’m sure that was a fun interview:
“So, Ben. What businesses that will still be solvent in five years did you help bring to Oklahoma?”
“None, sir, but you know my dad, and I think we need to put prayer back in schools.”
“You’re hired!”
Seriously, I know political nepotism is a powerful thing, but shouldn’t we hire a guy with actual success in bringing business to our state? This is like Mike Gundy hiring Seth Littrell to make the Cowboys a Top 10 Offense. I don’t think it’s going to work.
Then again, who are we kidding here?
We know the real reason Lepak was hired is because A) nepotism and B) he, like Stitt, is a hardcore theocrat who will do whatever it takes—from weakening the Oklahoma Supreme Court to using taxpayer dollars to fund online Catholic schools—to turn Oklahoma into a full-fledged Christian theocracy.
But let’s pretend it’s so he can use his policy expertise to craft “business-friendly” policies:
In his new role, Lepak will advise the Governor on legal matters and use his policy expertise to assist in advancing business-friendly policies for the state.
“It’s an honor to serve my state in this capacity,” Lepak said. “I’ve long admired the Governor’s business acumen and commitment to free market principles. I look forward to helping him advance his top 10 agenda.”
I’m pretty sure the only “business-friendly” policy this guy is going to help implement is getting Pepperidge Farms to re-open their old May Ave. location... and defunding public education in favor of a private-sector model.
Good times, huh?
As I mentioned earlier, Lepak replaces Trevor Pemberton, who is apparently quitting so he can focus on his bow-tie collection and/or sell bibles to Ryan Walters.
Geez. I don’t know how or why Pemberton left, but it looks like Lepak will have some big holy shoes to fill!
Stay with The Lost Ogle. We’ll keep you advised.
