Tulsa County Commissioner Fred Perry stepping down in July

Citing health concerns, Tulsa District 3 County Commissioner Fred Perry has announced his resignation from office, effective July 8.

Perry spoke with KRMG Monday morning and explained how the process will work.

He says he announced his resignation early for two main reasons, to provide time for an orderly special election process to choose a successor, and so his constituents don't go without representation any longer than necessary.

Perry says he made the decision after long thought and consulting with family members.

His term would have expired at the end of 2014.

He spent several years at the state legislature prior to assuming office as a county commissioner in January, 2007.

He plans to write the governor this week, urging her to consider coordinating the dates of the special election with Tulsa city elections already slated for June 11 and Aug. 13.

June 11 is the city primary, Aug. 13 is the run-off election for city offices, but would be the final election for the county commission seat if the governor agrees.

Perry told KRMG he also wanted to see a couple of major projects to completion.

He mentioned three road projects, including the widening of S. Yale Ave. from E. 61st to E. 71st St., the intersection at E. 111th and S. Mingo Road, and the widening of E. 131st St. between S. Garnett Ave. and S. 129th E. Ave., where a new Bixby school is being built.

He also wants to finish the fundraising effort for private money to complete 18 new outdoor tennis courts, plus an indoor tennis facility, at LaFortune Park.