Tulsa City Council Considers Drug Testing For Elected Officials

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OKLAHOMA -- The Tulsa City Council held a first discussion of possible drug testing for elected officials Tuesday morning.

Currently, elected officials are exempted from the drug testing policy that applies to other employees of the City of Tulsa.

"And this is clearly one aspect where we're not held to the same standard as our city employees," said Councilor Chris Trail.

City councilor Chris Trail supports the testing, he said, to hold elected officials to the same standard as other employees, who are randomly tested for drugs.

"What's good for city employees should be good for elected officials," said Councilor Bill Christiansen.

Trail said the council is just beginning to study the issue and he's not sure how it would all work. Their attorney told them it could either be through council action or a charter amendment, but that would require a vote of the public, and that couldn't happen until next year.

Rick Westcott, Tulsa City Councilor: If an elected official tests positive, what would happen?

Chris Trail, Tulsa City Councilor: "First of all they would be able to go through counseling and assistance through the employees assistance program."

Trail says his idea came only after realizing the disparity in testing at City Hall.

Emory Bryan, The News On 6: "Do you have any indication of elected officials who have this problem?"

Chris Trail, Tulsa City Councilor: "No, none whatsoever."

The proposed policy would subject the Mayor, the auditor and city councilors to drug testing before they take office and during their terms.