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Sunday, Sept. 2, 2018 NORMAN, OKLAHOMA $1.50 Bryant denies any wrongdoing legal counsel to advise them Norman city attorney bemused by potential investigation into conduct about it and I think that Mack Burke ity of a city council backed from other recent meetings ney or that I’m not expected invited to [the executive ses- outside legal counsel advised Transcript News Editor investigation aimed at him. for unrelated reasons. He to attend meetings or advise sions],” he said. “So, I don’t them at the last executive @MackBurke4 Bryant said he was said he is still the city attor- council,” he said. “Nobody’s really know what went on session.” on vacation earlier this ney and plans to continue to told me that.” or where they’re at. I haven’t Th ough the investiga- Norman City Attorney month when he fi rst dis- serve the city in that role as Bryant said he does not had any direct conversa- tion item was tabled by the Jeff Bryant said his recent covered the council was he has for the past 14 years. know what a potential inves- tions with any of the council council on Aug. 21 follow- absence from city council considering instructing the “It certainly has not been tigation might include and members about what their ing discussion in executive meetings has nothing to do city manager to investigate communicated to me that I has denied any wrongdoing. issues might be. Th ey did, I with the looming possibil- him and has been excused am no longer the city attor- “I obviously was not think hire separate, outside See BRYANT Page A3

Sooner Nation celebrates fi rst win of the season POLITICS Growing concerns Medical marijuana entrepreneur numbers higher than anticipated

rado (commercially),” Janelle said Bud Scott, executive Stecklein director of the medical CNHI Oklahoma marijuana trade group @ReporterJanelle New Health Solutions Oklahoma. OKLAHOMA CITY With few emergency —Th e vast numbers of rules governing busi- Oklahomans applying to ness regulations — and become medical mari- still no legislative action juana entrepreneurs is — experts say the State stunning some industry Department of Health, insiders, raising concerns which is overseeing im- that state offi cials could plementation, really has soon be fi ghting the larg- little authority to control est black market in the or limit the number of country. commercial marijuana “We’re on pace right Kyle Phillips / The Transcript now to out-license Colo- See NUMBERS Page A3 OU’s Curtis Bolton celebrates a touchdown Saturday after a punt block during the Sooners’ game against Florida Atlantic University at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. See full coverage, Sports.

POLITICS: JOHN McCAIN Brookhaven Run gets Oklahomans moving Tributes echo with COMMUNITY

Caleb Slinkard the competitors were hav- criticism of Trump Transcript Editor @CalebSlinkard ing a good time. Men’s winner Frezer By Laurie Kellman ance against a president Legesse from Oklahoma Associated Press Writer McCain openly defi ed in It’s known as the fastest City, a professional run- life as the antithesis of the 5k in Oklahoma. ner sponsored by Under WASHINGTON — American spirit of service It might also be the most Armour, grinned wide and John McCain’s daughter to something greater than fun. pumped his arms as he and two former presidents any individual. Th e 33rd annual broke the tape at the fi nish led a public rebuke of Standing near McCain’s Brookhaven Run had line with a time of 14:57. President Donald Trump’s fl ag-draped casket and hundreds of runners from Only a few seconds behind divisive politics at the late with Trump’s daughter near and far competing for him were Andrew Leahey senator’s memorial service in the audience, Meghan a cash prize and a chance (15:19) and Aaron Sherf McCain delivered a at breaking the men’s and Saturday in a call for a (15:32). broadside against the un- women’s state record, both return to civility among “Th is race is an awe- invited president without of which have been set the nation’s leaders. some race. Th is was on the mentioning his name. Kyle Phillips / The Transcript during the competition. Travis Caperton / For the Transcript Th e nearly three-hour list of things I wanted to “We gather here to Frezer Legesse won the No records fell Saturday Ashley Carreon crosses the service at the Washington do, along with competing mourn the passing of Brookhaven Run. See top 50 morning, but the race was fi nish line in fi rst place in the National Cathedral was a fi nishers, Page B4. fi erce nonetheless, even if See BROOKHAVEN Page A3 female division. remarkable show of defi - See McCAIN Page A5

Member INSIDE Newspaper WORD of the day Inside Holdings, Business C1 Inc. Classifi eds D4 Vol. 129 serrated Example: Beside it, s Andy Rieger: OU No. 51 Crossword C3 (adj) serr-a-ted a tall needle of rock, architecture program Copyright Deaths A3 [ser-ey-tid] serrated and sharp, encouraged student creativity 2018 Living D1 — Page A4 1. having a notched shot up. s David Boren: The SMART PHONE All rights Opinion A4 reserved edge or sawlike teeth, — My New Curate debate over dreamers – DIRECT LINK Four Sports B1 especially for cutting; P.A. Sheehan a crisis of moral identity sections Weather B6 — Page A5 Sunday, Sept. 2, 2018 THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT A3 the majority of those funds “It’s a little frustrating, but I’ve given a lot to the memory of Gambill express- server issue and we didn’t going to the Center for Eco- ing such concerns to him, have enough room on the Bryant: nomic Development Law. city ... I’m confident that people who know me and said the assertion that server. Yeah right.” From Page A1 “While the CEDL in- are not bothered by some of the things that he was unduly granting city Bryant said he does recall voices may not reveal legal have been said recently.” business to McAfee and an issue many years ago session, Bryant confirmed wrongdoing, they do suggest Firm is false and unfounded. concerning whether the city that he has hired his own at- that Norman’s elected city “That’s total [nonsense,]” had enough server space to torney in the matter. Though officials were often being Jeff Bryant, Bryant said. “That’s not who keep emails without buying no city council members maneuvered around to City attorney I am and that’s not some- additional storage space but have confirmed or denied achieve the outcome desired thing I would be involved in. denied any wrongdoing. the status of a possible in- by the OU Foundation and That’s the craziest thing I’ve Regarding the possibil- vestigation, many have told other individuals and organi- ever heard of.” The Transcript they have ferent direction.” matters were being taken to ity of an investigation in zations with an economic in- Former council member arbitration that were “dog Kovach said there were the present, Bryant said he been advised not to speak terest in the continuation of other issues related to open on the issue until it has been Tom Kovach, who was first losers,” and that raised red believes the truth will come the UNP TIF,” Gipson’s letter elected to the city council in flags for him. records dating back to his out and he will be vindicated resolved. time on the council, as well. states. “The City Attorney 2008 and served until 2014, “Why were we taking los- by an investigation. It is unclear whether any “The law would require signed off on these invoices said this isn’t the first time ing arbitrations to arbitra- “It is a little frustrating that possible investigation, or the something and [Bryant] for payments to CEDL, but Bryant has drawn scrutiny. tion?” he said. “It’s expensive. they would hold an execu- fact that the council tabled it is unclear whether the city would come up with a work- the topic, has any connec- “There was quite a bit And who was doing those tive session when I was on council or other city staff around,” Kovach said. “We tion to City Manager Steve of talk when I ran about arbitrations for us? McAfee vacation and then not one were informed of the discus- actually came up with an Lewis’ pending departure changing the charter be- and Taft. My opinion, then of them reached out to me sions or consulted about ordinance just to make him next month. It’s also unclear cause certain department and now, is that he was individually to talk about direction.” heads, [Bryant] in particular, either negligent in taking follow the law. He was trying whether such a potential to come up with some way an issue they might have,” investigation has any con- Bryant said those expen- weren’t receptive to the those [employee firings] Bryant said. “But I’ve given ditures were approved by council,” Kovach said. “That to arbitration or he had an to twist the law into a pretzel nection to recently disclosed … A specific example was a lot to the city. I’ve had a the city manager and the did not pass, but there was ulterior motive. We had a lot documents revealed via an there was a FOIA request career that’s lasted over 32 council and the claim that quite a bit of energy toward of them. And if you look at open records request spear- on someone’s emails… So, years here, 14 years as city the city has been paying for that because of [Bryant]. the numbers, we were losing headed by Fred Gipson. Gip- then they went to this policy attorney. It’s been a wonder- the CEDL to represent other “There were numerous way too many.” son believes the documents where they started delet- ful career. I’m confident that entities is “absurd.” occasions when I was on Kovach said then City indicate the city has been ing emails after 24 hours … people who know me are “Absolutely, the Center for council when [Bryant] was Manager Brad Gambill footing legal bills for services That’s blatantly illegal. But not bothered by some of the Economic Development Law the subject of manager was responsive to council’s to other clients. [Bryant] had come up with things that have been said was 100 percent represent- review … I do know that at concerns about Bryant, but In an Aug. 21 letter to the this excuse that there was a recently.” city council, Gipson states ing the city of Norman and one point it got so bad that then fell ill and resigned in the city paid more than the city of Norman’s interests he was going to go ahead 2006. Kovach said that while $320,000 to the Center for as expressed in the project and quit. I think he actually then City Clerk Mary Hatley Economic Development Law plan and prior develop- turned in his resignation and was acting as interim city between March 2017 and ment agreements,” he said. then asked for it back.” manager, prior to Lewis’ June 2018 for the purpose of “Councils sometimes change, Kovach said he had con- hiring, Bryant had indicated advising other entities, such depending on who is in the cerns about how much busi- that he had received an offer as the Norman Chamber of seats and their priorities ness the city legal depart- from McAfee and Taft. Commerce, OU Foundation, change. And that’s all OK. ment was outsourcing to the Bryant confirmed that he Norman Public Schools, and That’s all part of the politi- firm McAfee and Taft and did receive an offer from the Better Together various TIF partners. A city cal process and part of what claims there was a two-year firm, but never accepted. He of Norman expenditure re- makes this country great ... period where expenses for said he opted instead, at the port for FY 2018 shows total If you don’t like what’s going the firm’s services roughly request of legal staff, to con- ABLE outside legal expenditures on you can bring in someone doubled to about $130,000 tinue working for the city. ABLE’s vocational programs serve clients through of roughly $404,000, with else to maybe steer it a dif- annually. He added staffing Bryant said he has no three distinct services: Sheltered Workshop, Commu- nity-Integrated Employment (CIE) and Work Adjust- women’s category with a The event, which also active is what the event is ment Training (WAT)/ OK Department of Rehabilita- time of 16:59, while her featured a 1-mile fun run all about. tion Services (DRS). Brookhaven: husband, Jazz, finished and a variety of kids’ sprints “I know it’s gratifying for The Transcript and United Way of Norman are From Page A1 fourth for the men. Amanda sponsored by Andy Alliga- all of the parents and coach- Goetschius (17:33) and tor’s, serves as a fundraiser working together over the next year to share es of all the cross country at the Olympics: I really Kristen Radcliff (18:34) for the Norman High and information about the United Way’s partner agencies. wanted to win Brookhaven,” rounded out the top three Norman North Cross kids to have this community Legesse, who spent time in for the women. Country teams. Both were come together in a health Indiana with an elite club “I’ve run this race for four well-represented by current and fitness event as a fun- Death Notices team and recently returned years, and I’d always fin- and former athletes, as well draiser for their programs,” to Oklahoma said. “It feels ished top 10, but this is my as the seemingly insepa- Thompson said. “They’re great to be back home and first time to cross the finish rable High/North principal Russell Lee Long, 94, Norman, passed 8/30/2018. the future of our sport.” Visitation, 5-7 pm, 9/5/2018, St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic competing here.” line first,” Carreon said. duo of Scott Beck and Peter Reno Blum (15:41) fin- Legesse said he’s working “That’s really a great honor, Liesenfeld. Church, 3939 W. Tecumseh. Mass of Christian Burial, 10:30 ished fifth in the men’s cat- to enhance the competitive because I know some of the For Gus Thompson, co- am, 9/6/2018, St Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial running scene in OKC and elite athletes who come to founder of title sponsor OK egory, while Sophia Maag following, St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. www.tribute.care. also coaches at Mt. St. Mary this race, it’s the fastest 5k Runner and race director, (18:48) and Hayden James High School. in Oklahoma. It’s a good supporting youth who are (19:20) took fourth and fifth Ashley Carreon won the way to start the day.” willing to get out and get in the women’s.

which have full-blown recre- everybody, but you better want to run a dispensary ational markets, Scott said. understand the risks because and will need growers and Numbers: “It’s a really interesting people will be building really processers for sustainability, good ‘donut shops,’” Paul she said. From Page A1 scenario that we’re opening up like a recreational mar- said. “People are going to Ultimately, Parrish said businesses. Unlike other ket,” he said. need to be educated and capitalism will take over and states, Oklahoma officials Scott said production sophisticated about it to only those commercial enti- are allowing outdoor com- estimates indicate that even understand that if they are ties that are able to operate mercial grows. They’re not if the state had half as many planning to take the plunge at certain price points will limiting the number of com- growers, it would still be that it’s not easy. It’s not a survive. mercial licenses, the number producing more cannabis get-rich-quick thing.” “I think it will all shake of plants or the square foot- than the Oklahoma can And with the sheer num- out,” she said. “Right now, I age of a grow facility. handle. ber of applicants, Paul said think it’s an unknown adven- About a week after it “We are structuring our- he expects there will be “a ture.” selves to become the largest little bit of a glut.” started accepting medical Stecklein covers the Oklahoma marijuana licensing applica- black market producer of That could be good for Statehouse for CNHI’s newspa- tions, the state is already del- cannabis in the country,” patients and drive prices pers and websites. Reach her at uged with more than 1,100 he said. “Because what’s down, he said. jstecklein@cnhi.com. commercial applications going to happen to all this But for businesses expect- from Oklahomans wanting product?” ing marijuana to sell whole- to open dispensaries, grow Even though Oklahoma sale for $2,000 a pound, the marijuana or process it, ac- voters legalized medical saturation won’t be a good cording to the state Depart- cannabis in June, the drug thing. He expects said the ment of Health statistics. remains illegal under federal actual wholesale price to be “It was definitely more law. A controlled substance, closer to $800 a pound. than we anticipated,” Scott it cannot be transported Sarah Lee Gossett Parrish, said. “Just the sheer level across state lines. an Oklahoma City attorney of interest and the fact that Chip Paul, who co- and member of the Oklaho- you can apply for unlimited authored the legalization ma Cannabis Trade Associa- numbers of licenses, I think ballot initiative and plans tion, said she’s not surprised there are a lot of people who to apply for two business about the high commercial are submitting five to 25 licenses of his own, said he interest. licensing applications.” believes Oklahoma’s market The state’s current sys- In comparison, only about can support 1,000 operating tem allows “the little guy” 2,200 patients and caregivers cannabis businesses — when without massive amounts of have applied for licenses to patient licensing numbers money to enter the market. legally use cannabis, accord- top 100,000. Oklahoma’s $2,500 licensing ing to the health depart- “I’m shocked that it’s that fee is significantly lower than ment. high right now,” he said. “I’m other states, she said. Tony Sellars, a health shocked at the amount of Parrish said she’s had department spokesman, said grow licenses. That’s crazy.” people call her seeking legal officials haven’t yet been able Paul said oversaturation advice. Some people want to tabulate where most busi- will likely kill many small to open larger operations, nesses plan to open. While businesses, but he said craft- while others plan on small, they’ve already approved 844 ers of the ballot initiative limited grows. Some grow- patient licenses, officials had wanted to let the “free mar- ers are also looking to breed only processed about 45 of ket” determine the business plants that are targeted the 1,100 business applica- climate. The state doesn’t toward certain medical tions as of Friday morning. regulate the number of conditions like autism and Of the commercial ap- donut shops in a town, so it epilepsy, which would limit plicants, nearly 560 Oklaho- shouldn’t regulate cannabis that marketplace. mans want to grow marijua- shop numbers either, he said. Some also plan to grow, na. That number tops both “Again there’s good and process and operate a Washington and Oregon, bad about it. It does let in dispensary while others just

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