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OKC FRIDAY
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Vol. 57 No. 8 • Four Sections 44 Pages June 30, 2023
50 Most Powerful Oklahomans Mayor wins in annual poll By Vicki Clark Gourley Publisher Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt received the most votes from the ballots mailed this year. He defeated Thunder owner Clay Bennett by two votes. Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anatubby dominated the poll for the past several years, but there was a big shakeup this year as younger leaders command more power in the state. 1. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt is the Dean of the Oklahoma City University School of Law. He is to be the president of the United States Conference of Mayors in 2025-2026. His wife Rachel is the executive director of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs. 2. Clay Bennett owns the OKC Thunder NBA team. He is the CEO of Dorchester Capital, a diversified private investment company. 3. Tricia Everest is Oklahoma Secretary of Public Safety and one of the founders of Palomar, which provides services for women. 4. Tom Cole is the U.S. Representative of the 4th District. He served on the House Appropriations committee and serveral other powerful committees. 4. David Rainbolt tied in the voting with Cole. He is the Executive Chairman of BancFirst Corp. 5. Gentner Drummond is the state’s new attorney general. A combat fighter pilot in the Gulf War, Drummond is one of Oklahoma’s most highly decorated veterans. 6. Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, administers the Nation’s programs and businesses of more than 13,500 employees. 6. James Lankford is a U.S. Senator representing the state of Oklahoma. 7. Gov. Kevin Stitt is serving his second term as the governor of Oklahoma. 8. Greg Treat is the speaker pro tem of the Oklahoma Senate. See POWERFUL, Page 2
1. DAVID HOLT Mayor, Oklahoma City
3. TRICIA EVEREST Attorney, Secretary of Public Safety
4. TOM COLE U.S. Representative, 4th District
4. DAVID RAINBOLT Executive Chairman, BancFirst Corp.
5. GENTNER DRUMMOND Attorney General, State of Oklahoma
6. BILL ANOATUBBY Governor, Chickasaw Nation
6. JAMES LANKFORD U.S. Senator, State Of Oklahoma
7. KEVIN STITT Governor, State of Oklahoma
8. GREG TREAT Senate Pro Tem, State of Oklahoma
Fridayland set to celebrate the Fourth By Annabella Potts Student Intern With the Fourth of July coming up, Fridayland can expect plentiful celebrations to commemorate the creation of the United States of America. From parades, decoration and costume contests to firework displays, there is something for everyone in the community to enjoy. On Monday, July 3 in Scissortail
2. CLAY BENNETT OKC Thunder Chairman, CEO, Dorchester Capital
Park, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic presents its “Red, White and Boom” summer concert in a display of patriotism throughout the community. Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate said last year’s crowd consisted of more than 20,000 people with even more to be expected this year. Music highlighting the birth of America is performed for an electrifying See FOURTH, Page B9
FRIDAY’s
Dog of the Week This is Roxy Hodges. She is a Maltese mutt, mix. She is really good at cuddling and barking at and chasing squirrels in her humans’, Chuck and ElizaBeth Hodges’ backyard! Email Dog, Cat, Pet and Baby of the Week nominations with complete descriptions to rose@okcfriday.com. Submissions are used in the order they are received.