Governor's Mansion

[Rover]

I'm no fan of Stitt or Joy, but this was 100% a hit job on Stitt. Esp when it went to commercial after the segment, a Joy commercial ran lol

Uh, no. If it is true, it is a news report. Some politicians think that truth in a news report if it is an ugly look for them it is a hit job.

[onthestrip]

At 14,000sf, surely this house can accommodate larger families? Why not raise money to do a major remodel and keep using what is a beautiful home from the outside? What do you do with the current home if you build another? Seems like a maintenance and money suck. The capitol is very old and it just got overhauled, do the same to the current house.

I dont think its much of a hit piece because the story isnt that big of deal. Its just odd with the secrecy and NDAs, thats the only reason it looks suspicious.

[The Devils Architect]

If I recall correctly, two of his offspring are either attending college or have graduated, so why are they living there, if they are?

[Timshel]

^ Agreed.

Solid reporting. And as reported, over $2 million was spent updating the mansion to address the issues Stitt said kept him from living there and bring the mansion current. If he'd said "I have 6 kids and we need more bedrooms" I'd at least respect that a bit but the public shouldn't have to take him at his word (only after being outed by solid reporting) that the current mansion isn't sustainable. Also, the fact the governor's website lies regarding his living situation is silly but typical of how Stitt seems to operate.

Completely unacceptable and unethical way to go about this, even if you believe a new mansion is necessary. As noted in the report, the secrecy makes the situation ripe for corruption - and given Stitt's track record I'm sure that's exactly what happened (even though he "doesn't pander to big business and special interests" as quoted in the story). Also, the fact there's a general plan out there to build a new mansion is one thing, but secretly fundraising and seemingly going it about it and taking the steps they did to keep this under wraps the way they did is something entirely different. And it seems they knew it's an issue given how they've gone about it and by the fact they were going to wait until after the election to announce - recognizing their actions are politically problematic at best. Also, the fact that republican law makers didn't know anything about it and wouldn't go on the record because they fear Stitt's reprisals is amazing but unsurprising given Stitt's character and today's political climate.

But most importantly, assuming the renderings in the video were accurate, Stitt should get read for filth for the design of the new house. While design is of course subjective, public buildings should be inspirational, have meaning, and be a symbol of the state - not look like an east Edmond stucco'ed modern farmhouse.

Also, if Joy does happen to actually pull it off (I'm still very skeptical), I'll bet all of my dollars that this little plan is suddenly scrapped and we never know what happens to all the money that has been raised.

Edit:

I enjoyed the back and forth between Ali and Storme Jones on twitter this morning:

https://twitter.com/amanchor/status/...PL669UZG4K4wow

Ali to Storme: [Are you] highlighting an old "report" that turned out to be a lie. Or...we're [sic] you bragging about having a four-year heads up & still getting scooped."

From the top rope! Predicting a second round KO - best not to come for Ali and miss.

[David]

The NDA part is what makes this smell funny to me.

[Pete]

Here is what I know about this...

Back in 2018/2019 I became aware the governor was interested in building a new mansion. I was told at the time that he was working on raising private funds. I didn't get any impression this was 'secret' any more than any project at this stage would be. In other words, they were hoping to do it but it was far from being ready for public consumption (or for me to report).

Subsequently, the pandemic hit and the fundraising stopped and my understanding is the project died at that time.

I don't know how much money was raised and what was done with it but do know they hired and paid an architect and I believe they also solicited preliminary construction bids.

BTW, the plans called for a stone exterior similar to what is found on the current mansion and many of the surrounding state buildings, but obviously the new mansion would have a slightly modern design.

Also, the group that commissioned these plans is Friends of the Mansion, headed by Sarah Stitt. On their website they solicit donations for preserving and enhancing the current mansion. I'm not sure they have shown or referenced plans for a new mansion but obviously that has been mentioned in previous news reports. To be fair to all involved, it could simply be that they pivoted back to making improvements to the current mansion once they decided not to press forward with plans for a new building.

https://fomok.org/

All of this is meant to present information rather than pass judgment in any way.

[Midtowner]

I dont think its much of a hit piece because the story isnt that big of deal. Its just odd with the secrecy and NDAs, thats the only reason it looks suspicious.

Secrecy seems to be the MO around any kind of development. This situation should have been treated differently than, for example, a downtown MAPS improvement project being handled through the Alliance. Yes, it's how things are done in OKC now, but handling this project in secret was a mistake--and a really stupid mistake at that.

Even I--someone who can't stand Stitt--would freely admit that residing in a 100 year old residence with HVAC issues and potential mold isn't everyone's cup of tea. Needing a new executive home is a pretty easy sell.

I'll also agree with the criticisms of the architecture. This looks like something you might find at the Wheeler District, or for sale at a pricepoint of $14,000,000 at The Lark development in Edmond. I'll bet it even has a gas range in a color selectable by the first family and Pella windows.

[Pete]

BTW, Stitt's two oldest kids are 22 and 20, so I doubt they are living with the family. His oldest daughter is registered to vote in Tulsa; his 20 year-old son is a student at OSU.

The other four are 16, 15, 12 and 8.

[Jersey Boss]

Secrecy seems to be the MO around any kind of development. This situation should have been treated differently than, for example, a downtown MAPS improvement project being handled through the Alliance. Yes, it's how things are done in OKC now, but handling this project in secret was a mistake--and a really stupid mistake at that.

Even I--someone who can't stand Stitt--would freely admit that residing in a 100 year old residence with HVAC issues and potential mold isn't everyone's cup of tea. Needing a new executive home is a pretty easy sell.

I'll also agree with the criticisms of the architecture. This looks like something you might find at the Wheeler District, or for sale at a pricepoint of $14,000,000 at The Lark development in Edmond. I'll bet it even has a gas range in a color selectable by the first family and Pella windows.

Then he should have never spent the 2M+ that was appropriated for the current mansion to make it "habitable".

[Jersey Boss]

Pete, who was the architect for the proposal?

[Pete]

pete, who was the architect for the proposal?

ahmm

[Edmond_Outsider]

I'm pretty sure the swimming pool was a private donation. Though that's not close to the same scale, there's a precedent. The NDAs are a separate issue and that's never going to appear above board.

I find it interesting that there's so many things being referred to as October surprises. Do people really believe that the news must stop reporting on anything that might make a particular candidate or party look bad? That's silly but is obviously a huge talking point in some media circles.

[Pete]

BTW, that proposal above was very early on and was preliminary.

From what I understand there was a later version that was more traditional.

[barrettd]

Well, from Myer's reporting, it appears the committee either ignored the Open Records/Open Meetings acts or they formed a public-private partnership with the intent of avoiding public disclosure requirements. Internal memos pressed the need for secrecy. I really don't understand the need for secrecy. Surely they don't think so little of Oklahomans that we wouldn't understand that at some point, a historic home becomes historic and creates a challenge for the State to attract top talent to the governor's office.

I do think the aspect that this was to be a project funded by individual donors would be a bit troubling. I think folks can venture why that might be, so I won't venture into a political argument there. Major public projects should be publicly funded. Maybe if we wanted to be a top-10 state, we'd need a top-10 governor's mansion?

It's important that the governor reside close to the capitol and that the Highway Department security detail consult closely with the security aspects of the grounds. From that perspective, I think it was a mistake for the State to permit a governor to reside elsewhere.

And maybe, had the governor's mansion been a more generous 10,000 sq. feet or so, Christina Fallin wouldn't have felt the need to park a trailer in the driveway.

Yeah, I don't have a problem with the apparent need for renovations, or even a new mansion. The secrecy is troubling to me, and the fact that KFOR made requests for information and was turned away doesn't help. If it were all totally above board, why the secrecy? Why not appeal to the public and show us what's wrong with the mansion that it requires building an entirely new structure?

The whole thing doesn't feel right, but Stitt will do whatever he wants, regardless.

[Pete]

The Oklahoman reporting $6 million has been raised and that construction could start after the election.

A spokesperson for Stitt said he has no plans to live in the new residence so it will not benefit him. Also said this has not been a secret.


However, there is no mention of a new residence -- only upgrading the existing mansion -- on the Friends of the Mansion website. That foundation is the group that has raised $6 million.

https://fomok.org/


The article was in today's print edition but not on their website for some reason, so I can't provide a link.

[catch22]

The Oklahoman reporting $6 million has been raised and that construction could start after the election.

A spokesperson for Stitt said he has no plans to live in the new residence so it will not benefit him. Also said this has not been a secret.


However, there is no mention of a new residence -- only upgrading the existing mansion -- on the Friends of the Mansion website. That foundation is the group that has raised $6 million.

https://fomok.org/


The article was in today's print edition but not on their website for some reason, so I can't provide a link.

No secrecy if all 47 print subscribers read the article. lol.

Being out of state I have no horse in this race, and those who know me know I can’t stand Stitt. This story doesn’t really bother me a whole lot, aside from the secrecy of it. There are bigger and better scandals to focus on if that’s the goal.

[dford2]

Badly needed, paid for with (DONATIONS), this is a non-issue if there ever was one!!!!!!!!!

[Pete]

If the current mansion is uninhabitable (as claimed) it would still need a bunch of money to make it functional.

Even if a new residence is built that issue is not resolved.


Why not spend the $6 million on renovation rather than needing even more money for that purpose if something new is constructed?

[BoulderSooner]

If the current mansion is uninhabitable (as claimed) it would still need a bunch of money to make it functional.

Even if a new residence is built that issue is not resolved.


Why not spend the $6 million on renovation rather than needing even more money for that purpose if something new is constructed?

maybe those that donated had no interest in giving to renovate the old building ..

[HangryHippo]

maybe those that donated had no interest in giving to renovate the old building ..

Then why are the “friends” raising money under that guise?

[barrettd]

If the current mansion is uninhabitable (as claimed) it would still need a bunch of money to make it functional.

Even if a new residence is built that issue is not resolved.


Why not spend the $6 million on renovation rather than needing even more money for that purpose if something new is constructed?

Not to mention the ongoing operation of 2 "mansions" doesn't really help cut costs anywhere, either.

[OKCretro]

I saw where Stitt mentioned the mansion was not ADA compliant? is this true? seems wild that it wouldnt be.

[April in the Plaza]

I saw where Stitt mentioned the mansion was not ADA compliant? is this true? seems wild that it wouldnt be.

Very wild, especially with all of the projects and updates the mansion has seen over the years.

Adding a few ramps and elevators should have definitely been in the cards at some point.

[The Shadow]

Very wild, especially with all of the projects and updates the mansion has seen over the years.

Adding a few ramps and elevators should have definitely been in the cards at some point.

I've known the Governor since he was a sophomore at OSU.

I'm skeptical his mother in law would have ever visited the mansion. When he was elected, she was living in a mental health facility in Tulsa.

As for the project itself, I can attest to the fact this idea was in the works prior to him being sworn into office. I have a relative who received a phone call in January 2019 soliciting a donation on behalf of Sarah, and that would have been just few days after his inauguration.

[Midtowner]

I saw where Stitt mentioned the mansion was not ADA compliant? is this true? seems wild that it wouldnt be.

It's not a building for public accommodation, and I'm pretty sure it'd be grandfathered if it was, so I don't think the ADA applies.