Democrats continue call for Coffee to step down
Sen. Charlie Laster, D-Shawnee sent a letter to members of the Senate on Monday and continued to call for Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City to step down. Below is the letter sent to members of the Senate:
May 4, 2009
Member of the Senate:
On March 25th, the Democratic caucus of the Oklahoma State Senate sent a letter to Pro Tem Glenn Coffee asking for his release to the full Senate, the media, and the public, certain information regarding unpaid federal taxes and the loan by which Senator Coffee paid off his tax delinquency.
A similar request was made by the Tulsa World, which wrote that “we taxpayers can be pretty judgmental, but we can also be pretty understanding when people level with us,” Tulsa World, March 25, 2009. Similarly, the Daily Oklahoman (sic) wrote that “It would be a mistake to dismiss calls from some quarters for more disclosure regarding the loan Coffee received to pay off his tax bill,” The Oklahoman, April 5, 2009. The May 4, 2009 press release from Senator Coffee’s banker — which labels Senator Coffee’s loan “a standard business loan” as opposed to a personal loan — left unanswered critical information:
Did a third party help Senator Coffee secure the loan?
What is the collateral for the loan?
What is the source of funds by which Senator Coffee repaid the loan?
The lack of information is especially troubling in light of questionable transactions involving Senator Coffee’s campaign. The Oklahoman referenced the $58,000 Senator Coffee reimbursed himself from his campaign account for travel, meals and lodging during the 2008 campaign season. In fact, since 2006, Senator Coffee has spent over $200,000 from his campaign, during which time he never had an opponent. Senator Coffee transferred over $134,000 from his campaign to himself for personal reimbursement for travel, meals and lodging.
Despite calls for full disclosure, Senator Coffee has steadfastly refused to provide any information. In our April 29th letter to Senator Coffee, we asked again that he address unanswered questions regarding the loan and campaign reimbursements. That same day, Senator Coffee indicated that he would not provide any additional information.
For this reason, it is our hope that the Senate will work together to elect another Republican President Pro Tempore. When trust of public officials is at an all-time low, we believe that Senator Coffee should step down. We call for the selection of a Republican member of the Oklahoma State Senate whose character and integrity have not been questioned in order to restore public trust in the Oklahoma State Senate.
To do nothing prolongs the controversy that has hung over the upper chamber for more than half of this legislative session. There is much work left to be done to move our state forward and we must act now to regain the integrity of our legislative body. We ask that the Republican Caucus restore the trust voters placed in us when we were elected to the Oklahoma State Senate.
Very truly yours,
Senator Charles Laster
On behalf (of) the Oklahoma
State Senate Democrat Caucus
Coffee’s banker offers details on tax loan
Release sent to the media by H.K. Hatcher, President of NBC Bank in Oklahoma City on Monday. The bank loaned Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Glenn Coffee money to pay his 2006 taxes.
BANKER SAYS LOAN SECURED BY GLENN COFFEE
TO PAY FEDERAL TAXES IS A STANDARD BUSINESS TRANSACTION BETWEEN LENDER AND BORROWER
The bank loan used by Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee to pay his federal tax for 2006 was a standard business loan issued by a federally-regulated bank with normal conditions and requirements like any other loan, according to the president of the bank.
H.K. Hatcher, President of NBC Bank in Oklahoma City, said, “While I appreciate Senator Coffee’s desire to avoid exposing our bank to political controversy, I can no longer sit back while a good and honorable man is attacked. I have thus asked Senator Coffee’s permission to speak out and clear the air on this matter.
“Our bank has a longstanding business relationship with Glenn Coffee and his family. This loan was made in the ordinary course of business. The interest rate, maturity, collateral and other terms of this loan are in keeping with our standard lending practices. Glenn Coffee, like every one of our customers, had to meet the required conditions before we would agree to loan him the money. He met those requirements and we loaned him the money. As is always the case with Glenn Coffee, he was professional throughout the process.”
Hatcher added, “The loan is a straight-forward, customary business transaction in accordance with all the standards set forth by NBC Bank and banking regulations. This loan is no different from the hundreds we transact for customers every month.”
“On a personal level, Glenn Coffee and his family enjoy an outstanding reputation with our bank. They have always been thoughtful and responsible in their dealings with us. I have only the highest regard for Glenn and I appreciate and respect his leadership in our state,” Hatcher stated.
This week at the Capitol
Did you miss a few days of Legislative action? Check out this video with Capitol Bureau reporter Michael McNutt and Owen Canfield of the opinion page as they recap this week at the Capitol.
http://feeds.newsok.tv/services/player/bcpid1766638491?bctid=21827534001
