For Immediate Release:
March 9, 2004
Senate Passes Legislation Honoring Former Legislator
The State Senate passed a bill today renaming
a portion of Interstate 240 in Oklahoma City in honor of
the late Senator Keith Leftwich, according to Senate President
Pro Tempore Cal
Hobson (D-Lexington) and President Pro Tempore Emeritus
Stratton
Taylor (D-Claremore), authors of the bill. Under the
provisions of SB 969, I-240 between the intersections of
I-35 and I-44 in South Oklahoma City will be known as the
“Keith Leftwich Memorial Loop.”
The former senator worked throughout his career to enhance
Oklahoma’s interstate system. Leftwich served as Chairman
of the Senate Transportation Committee as well as Chairman
of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government
and Transportation – the entity that oversees highway
construction and state agency spending for several years.
He also served as the Senate Majority Whip for a number
of years.
“Senator Keith Leftwich was an outstanding legislator
and I am pleased to present SB 969 in his honor,”
stated Senator Taylor. “He worked very hard to ensure
that Oklahoma’s roadways were safe for travel as well
as worked on many other important issues for the betterment
of our state.”
Senator Leftwich played a key role in enhancing the I-240
loop to help relieve congestion in the area. He made it
a top priority to develop a plan and secure the funding
needed to enhance that transportation route.
Senator Keith Leftwich lost his courageous battle with cancer
on September 19, 2003.
Although Senator Debbe
Leftwich, his wife who won a special election to complete
his term, exercised her Constitutional right not to vote
on the bill due to her close relationship with her late
husband, she did thank the Senate for this tribute and their
loving memory of Keith Leftwich.
“Keith always had the constituents of South Oklahoma
City on the forefront of his mind. Before he authored or
supported any piece of legislation, he thought how it would
affect Senate District 44 as well as the state of Oklahoma,”
stated Senator Leftwich. “I am truly grateful to all
of the Senators who have shown their love and admiration
to my late husband.”
For
more information contact:
Senate
Communications Division : (405) 521-5774
