Transportation duties increase
MICHAEL MCNUTT, Capitol Bureau The Oklahoman
October 30, 2009
Oklahoma’s
transportation secretary, who heads the state Transportation
Department, will also be in charge of the state’s turnpike system. The
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority on Thursday named Gary Ridley to serve as
the authority’s director. He begins his new duties Sunday. He succeeds
Phil Tomlinson, who has been the Turnpike Authority’s director since
2003. Tomlinson, 71, said he will make another attempt at retirement.
He was a retired real estate developer when Gov. Brad Henry asked him
in January 2003 to serve on his Cabinet as transportation secretary.
Tomlinson was hired as the Turnpike Authority’s director about six
months later. This will be the first time in 10 years that one person
has filled all three positions. Neal McCaleb last served in all three
posts in 1999. Ridley will receive a salary increase, from about
$117,500 to $133,200. The Transportation Department and the Turnpike
Authority will split paying Ridley’s salary and benefits.
Posted on
Fri, October 30, 2009
by Crystal Drwenski