Federal Judge Says No To Tulsa Firefighters Over Campaigning Issue

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- A federal judge says Tulsa firefighters failed to meet their burden for a preliminary injunction against the city of Tulsa over an executive order barring city employees from campaigning for candidates in municipal elections. 

The Tulsa Fire Department union had requested the injunction so its members could campaign in the upcoming city elections. 

7/28/2011 Related Story: Tulsa Firefighters Ask Federal Judge For Right To Campaign In City Elections

A judge ruled Wednesday that the plaintiffs [union] "have failed to establish a 'clear and unequivocal' right to the requested preliminary injunction." 

Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett commented on the ruling Wednesday afternoon.

"Federal District Court Judge Gregory Frizzell has confirmed that my executive order to uphold the city charter is both legally correct and constitutionally sound.

Judge Frizzell ruled that the charter is the organic law of a municipality and that it cannot be overturned by the advice of a City Attorney or any actions by a Mayor or City Council. I believe as Mayor it is my job to uphold the city charter as the citizens of Tulsa approved it years ago."

Read the judge's ruling

President of the Tulsa Firefighters Association, Dennis Moseby said they are disappointed by the ruling.

"We believe that every day that goes by that we have the mayor's executive order on us is another day that our First Ammendments rights are violated."

Moseby said the union is hopeful it will prevail in federal court.