The Norman Transcript

Local news

Discussion

November 1, 2012

Chamber apologizes for sending Switzer letter

Transcript Staff The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — Couple says they didn’t authorize, sign off on letter

A letter to the editor supporting State Question 766 — purportedly written by Barry and Becky Switzer of Norman — was not authorized by them and should not have been published in Tuesday’s Transcript, the Switzers and the state Chamber of Commerce that submitted the letter said Wednesday.

“I did not write and sign that letter and neither did my wife,” Switzer said Wednesday. “I want a retraction.”

The letter was sent to The Transcript on Friday by the State Chamber of Oklahoma. Asked on Monday for signature verification before publication, the state chamber’s director of communication Jennifer Monies said, “He did sign it with his wife.”

On Wednesday, an apologetic Monies was attempting to find the communication breakdown within the state chamber. She said she was assured it was approved.

“I asked the question multiple times,” Monies said Wednesday.

The letter was not sent to other publications.

Late Wednesday, the chamber sent a statement clarifying what happened with an apology to the Switzers and The Transcript.

“We received information that Mr. and Mrs. Switzer are supportive of State Question 766 and drafted a letter to the editor to that effect to submit on their behalf. Unfortunately, they never signed off on the final draft of the letter that was submitted,” Monies said.

“We spoke with Coach Switzer today (Wednesday) and he remains supportive of State Question 766 but did not approve of the language in the letter. We sincerely apologize for any miscommunication on this issue.”

For local news and more, subscribe to The Norman Transcript Smart Edition, or our print edition.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local news
  • Tornado Tornado tears through county

    A spring storm packing a single tornado ripped across far eastern Cleveland County on Sunday evening, carrying hail, strong winds and injuring at least six persons, with three in critical condition....

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • Tornado Pecan Valley neighborhood hit

    The Pecan Valley housing addition in unincorporated Cleveland County northeast of Lake Thunderbird took the hardest hit in the Norman area as a tornado tracked across the lake Sunday evening. At the emergency command post set up at the ...

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • Board looks at hirings

    The hiring of three key administrators tops Monday’s meeting of the Norman Public Schools board of education. The board meets at 7 p.m. in the Norman City Council chambers, 201 W. Gray St....

    May 20, 2013

  • OU V Arkansas Sooners will rematch Razorbacks in regional title game today

    It’s a rematch on tap today at Marita Hynes Field. Top-ranked Oklahoma will face No. 24 Arkansas in the NCAA softball regional championship a day after downing the Razorbacks 10-5 in the second round of the regional tournament....

    May 19, 2013 1 Photo

  • camp 4 J.D. McCarty Center hosts open house for Camp ClapHans

    The excitement of summer camp is no longer off limits to local children with special needs, thanks to J.D. McCarty Center’s upcoming Camp ClapHans....

    May 19, 2013 1 Photo

  • May rainfall below needed levels in state

    Norman residents looking for dry days to mow yards may think spring rains are coming frequently, but experts say those rains are less than central Oklahoma needs to pull itself out of the three-year-long drought. Lake Thunderbird’s ...

    May 19, 2013

  • Riverwind Casino to host blood drive

    Riverwind Casino invites everyone to give blood from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday. The blood drive is one of 10 hosted by local casinos teaming up to support the Oklahoma Blood Institute during May....

    May 19, 2013

  • CCGS to host archivist

    The Cleveland County Genealogical Society will welcome Jan Davis, administrative archivist for the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the south lobby of the Community Services Building at 12th Avenue NE and East Main ...

    May 19, 2013

  • Cleveland County 4-H summer workshops

    The Cleveland County Extension Office will host nearly 50 workshops throughout the summer. Workshops include photography, clay modeling, geocaching, kayaking and fishing. The workshops and field trips associated with the 4-H Youth ...

    May 19, 2013

  • Sixth annual Youth Soccer Camp starts this month

    The sixth annual Youth Soccer Camp at the Whittier Recreation Center runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 29 through June 31 for ages 6-12. All camps are co-ed. The deadline to sign up is Thursday....

    May 19, 2013