In 1997, I traveled to Oklahoma City to be the guest speaker at the Oklahoma LGBT’s community first political dinner. Meeting me at the airport was an extremely well dressed, handsome and very intelligent young man. Jim Roth was filled with dreams about public service and he was one of those people you meet on the road that you just don’t forget. Even back then I knew that he was going to leave his mark on the world.

By 2002, Jim became the first open gay elected official in the state of Oklahoma. He won a seat on the Oklahoma County Commission that includes all of Oklahoma City. Roth was re-elected in 2006 with a very impressive 63% of the vote. He became one of the area’s most popular elected officials with a powerful record of accomplishments and reform.

Last Monday Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth, at age 38, was appointed by Democratic Governor Brad Henry to the powerful and prestigious Oklahoma Corporation Commission. This is a very important position in Oklahoma and one of the most significant political appointments acheived by a member of the LGBT community anywhere in the United States.

The Corporation Commission regulates Oklahoma’s public utilities, oil and gas industry, telecommunications, motor carriers, and transportation duties. It is a three person commission.

The considerable powers of this commission elevates Roth to being one of the most powerful members of the LGBT community in the country.

Roth was appointed to fill an unfinished term and will be up for election in 2008. By that time he will be an incumbent with a substantial record of achievement for the citizens of Oklahoma.

In a phone conversation with me last night, Roth said among his priorities will be to work to reposition the energy and gas interests with the agriculture interests to seek alternative sources of energy. In addition, Roth felt he had a moral obligation to his supporters to "safeguard the consumers of Oklahoma" with the powers of his office.

Roth will face a tough race in 2008 and already three Republicans have announced against him. He told me last night that he will need to raise between $500,000 to $1 million to be elected in 2008 as the incumbent. Roth also stated that no financial support can come from those he regulates and that there is a $5,000 limit.

After June 1st, his website will be able to accept donations from around the country and that site is http://www.roth4commissioner.com.

Jim told me that he is thrilled to be given such a position of responsibility in one of the largest energy producing states in this country. In addition to being able to handle one of the most powerful positions elected in Oklahoma, Jim Roth is one of the most decent and kind men in politics that I have ever met over the years.

In making the appointment Governor Henry stated:

“Jim Roth has the intellect, the integrity and the dedication to public service needed to be an outstanding Corporation Commissioner, Gov. Henry said. Not only does he exemplify the highest ethical standards, but he is a consensus-builder who recognizes the importance of bipartisanship and working together. I am confident that Jim’s fair-mindedness, honesty and attention to detail will make him an excellent addition to the commission.”

The President and CEO of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, Chuck Wolfe was thrilled with the appointment and said:

“We are enormously proud of Jim. He was the first openly gay elected official anywhere in Oklahoma, and now will become the first openly gay statewide official. Jim is passionate about public service and committed to making life better for all Oklahomans. This appointment is a testament to his strong work ethic, bold leadership and trademark optimism. Jim has shown that sexual orientation need not be a barrier to serving the public as an elected or appointed leader.”