Former Governor George Nigh recommended for interim tourism director

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Former Governor George Nigh is being recommended as interim director of the state tourism department.<br/><br/>Governor Brad Henry and Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin made the recommendation

Wednesday, November 16th 2005, 5:45 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Former Governor George Nigh is being recommended as interim director of the state tourism department.

Governor Brad Henry and Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin made the recommendation Wednesday. They say Nigh, who served as governor from 1979 to 1987, is an ideal choice for the job.

Henry says Nigh has the experience, intellect and temperament needed to run the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation. He says Nigh has proven himself to be a dynamic and tireless champion of Oklahoma.

Fallin says Nigh will provide steady leadership as the state searches for a permanent executive director.

If approved by the nine-member Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission, Nigh would succeed Robb Gray, who resigned last week.

Meanwhile, former Governor George Nigh says he doesn't know what changes he'll make if approved as interim director of the state tourism department.

Governor Brad Henry and Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin tapped the 78-year-old former governor for the job Wednesday. If approved by the state tourism commission, Nigh would succeed Robb Gray, who resigned last week.

Nigh says he's "graciously appreciative" of the recommendation and looks forward to working in state government again -- if only for a matter of months.

Nigh says he'll be an active, in charge director. But he says it's premature to discuss his salary because the commission hasn't formally offered the job. He says he'll serve on a contract basis at a reduced cost to the state.