OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt’s chief of staff, Michael Junk, is leaving, adding to the list of key players in his office who have departed.
Asked by the Tulsa World on July 17 whether Junk was leaving, Stitt’s chief of communications, Charlie Hannema, said: “Senior staff members are constantly rumored to be leaving political offices. Michael Junk and the rest of Governor Stitt’s team are fully engaged in supporting the governor.”
Junk did not respond to a phone call seeking comment last week.
But he said Thursday that “we have a gig lined up in Tulsa.”
“That’s been the first priority,” he said. “It’s not because of anything good or bad in the Governor’s Office.”
Junk has been commuting to Oklahoma City from Tulsa.
People are also reading…
He would not disclose his new job, but he said he is not going to work for another elected official and is looking forward to spending time with his kids.
Deputy Chief of Staff Zachary Lee will take over as interim upon Junk’s departure. The search for a permanent replacement is ongoing, according to Stitt’s office.
On Nov. 27, Stitt announced that Junk, then Tulsa’s deputy mayor, would be his chief of staff. Prior to that post, Junk served as G.T. Bynum’s mayoral campaign manager. He also has worked for U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe and the late U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn.
Two of Stitt’s Cabinet secretaries, Jerome Loughridge and Dr. Kayse Shrum, announced last month that they were stepping down to return to full-time jobs. Loughridge served as secretary of health and mental health. Shrum served as secretary of science and innovation.
Stitt’s secretary of Native American affairs, Lisa Billy, resigned in December, accusing Stitt of being committed to an unnecessary conflict with the state’s tribal governments.
Donelle Harder, a Stitt adviser and spokeswoman who served as his campaign manager, also left the office earlier.
Randy Krehbiel contributed to this story.
Featured video
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt says he doesn't plan to issue an order to wear masks and gives his reason why.
Gallery: What to know before getting a Real ID
What to know before getting a Real ID
Where can Tulsans get Real ID?
A live map is available at realid.ok.gov.
DPS recommends calling tag agents before visiting.
Downtown Tulsa Tag Agency, 1414 S. Denver Ave.
Southeast Tag Agency, 4309 S. Sheridan Road
Eastside Tag Agency, 1914 S. Garnett Road
DPS Eastgate, 14002 E. 21st St.
Barnes Tag Agency, 6542 E. 91st St.
How long does the process take?
The process can take about 20-30 minutes, after which you will receive a temporary paper card. Your Real ID will be mailed to you within about seven business days.
What paperwork will I need?
Oklahomans will need to bring proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), proof of Social Security (Social Security card or W-2 tax form) and two proofs of residency (lease agreement, mortgage statement, utility bill or voter registration card).
Oklahomans that have changed their name when they got married or divorced will have to provide additional paperwork.
A full list of acceptable documents can be found at realid.ok.gov.
How much does it cost?
A non-commercial Real ID will be $42.50; license renewals will cost $38.50. It costs $25 to replace a lost Real ID or to convert a person’s current noncompliant card to a Real ID. Seniors 62 and older can get a discount and those 65 and older can get an ID free of charge.
What's the difference?
A Real ID may not look significantly different from a standard identification card — the only visible physical difference is a gold star in one corner.
What if I already have a passport or military ID?
Consider holding off on getting a Real ID-compliant license until your driver’s license is about to expire. Then you can renew your license and switch it over in one fell swoop.
State officials have estimated roughly 600,000 Oklahomans don’t already have a Real ID, like a passport, which means there will be a significant influx of people seeking to get a Real ID.
Do I have to get a Real ID?
No, but as of Oct. 1, 2021, Oklahomans will be required to show a Real ID to fly domestically or to enter federal facilities.
12 months for just $26
"This is a special 'editor' offer at a rate we have not offered before. For just $26, you get unlimited access to everything on tulsaworld.com for a year. Every time you click on a story from social media you will get it without interruption and without surveys. Every story online + the daily e-edition that shows you the pages of the paper that day. Support our local journalists who work for you." — Tulsa World Editor Jason Collington
Barbara Hoberock
405-528-2465
barbara.hoberock
@tulsaworld.com
Twitter: @bhoberock
Barbara Hoberock
Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer
