Antlers banker named state auditor

A southeast Oklahoma banker is Oklahoma's new auditor and inspector.

Gov. Brad Henry today appointed Steve Burrage of Antlers to succeed Jeff McMahan. McMahan resigned last month after a federal jury convicted him and his wife on three of eight felony corruption-related counts.

Henry made the announcement at a news conference this morning. Supreme Court Justice Steven Taylor administered the oath of office to Burrage before the governor announced his selection.

“Steve Burrage has impeccable credentials and a reputation above reproach,” Henry said. “He is without question the best person to serve as auditor and restore public trust in that important position.”

Burrage, 56, said he will meet with the auditor’s staff today. He said he expects to make no changes.

“My top priority is to restore public confidence in the auditor’s position and ensure that Oklahoma tax dollars are being used as efficiently and effectively as possible,” Burrage said.

If he feels he is successful, he will seek election to the post in 2010, he said.

Henry would not say how many applied for the auditor’s position. He complimented Michelle Day, who served as acting auditor after McMahan’s resignation. Day is deputy state auditor and the agency’s general counsel. She had applied for the post.

Burrage said today he resigned from two posts – a state board that provides group insurance for state employees and the Oklahoma City branch of the Federal Reserve Bank.

Burrage has more than 30 years of experience in banking and accounting.

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