Tulsa County Commissioner Fred Perry announces resignation

TULSA - Tulsa County Commissioner Fred Perry says he intends to resign from his position later this year.

Perry made the announcement at a county commissioners meeting on Monday morning.

Perry mentioned his health as a reason for his decision to step down.

Perry underwent a heart procedure in November.

"That caused me to think about the future and my wife and I talked about it, prayed about it, and basically made the decision," said Perry.

He also said he wants to do other things after decades of working.

Perry won't officially leave office until July 8.

According to his biography on the Tulsa County website, Perry served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1994 until 2006 when he was elected as Tulsa County Commissioner for District 3. He was elected for a second term in 2010.

“There comes a time when one knows it’s time to retire," said Perry. "By giving five months notice, this will provide for an orderly selection of my replacement according to the statutes. Of course, the timing of the election is the governor’s decision. However, it is possible to have the special election of my successor on the same days scheduled for the City of Tulsa mayoral primary and runoff elections. This will minimize the expense. Also, if held as we are suggesting, the position will be open for only a few weeks."