Crutcher named new Oklahoma health commissioner

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma's new health commissioner says his goal is to continue the work of his predecessor. <br><br>Doctor Mike Crutcher was chosen by the state Board of Health Thursday to replace

Thursday, November 13th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma's new health commissioner says his goal is to continue the work of his predecessor.

Doctor Mike Crutcher was chosen by the state Board of Health Thursday to replace Health Commissioner Doctor Leslie Beitsch.

Crutcher -- a deputy health commissioner -- will make $180,000 a year as head of the agency. His selection had been expected.

Crutcher says his immediate goal is to continue the progress made under Beitsch. he says smoking control is high on his list of priorities.

Crutcher says he favors a cigarette tax increase to benefit the health of the state's population and to curb teenage smoking.

He says he'll also work to rescue the state's trauma system.