Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced Friday that he has appointed former state senator Anthony Sykes to his office to serve as public access counselor.
In a news release, Drummond said Sykes will work with state, county, and municipal government agencies and commissions to ensure they comply with the Open Meetings and Open Records Acts.
Sykes has been an attorney for more than 20 years and represented Senate District 24 in the Oklahoma State Senate from 2006 to 2018.
“Oklahomans deserve accountability of their government,” Drummond said. “There are times when specific circumstances may reasonably restrict some documentation, such as information that is part of a current investigation. However, the default for conducting public business always must be one of openness and transparency. Senator Sykes’ drive, tenacity and mastery of the law will be invaluable for this position. I am confident he will play a critical role in ensuring the Office of the Attorney General enforces the Open Records and Open Meetings Acts.”