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Council approves appointment of Matthew Stockman to Parks and Recreation Board after debate over Chamber affiliation and residency
Summary
Council approved Matthew Stockman's appointment to the Parks and Recreation Board despite objections about his Chamber of Commerce employment and residency outside Chickasha; supporters said the board is advisory and nonresident members are allowed.
Chickasha City Council voted to appoint Matthew Stockman to the Parks and Recreation Board with a term to expire June 30, 2028, after a contentious discussion about his employment with the Chamber of Commerce and his residency.
Councilmember Erica moved to approve the appointment and the motion was seconded and called for a vote. Councilmember Kelly asked for the item to be tabled so Parks and Recreation staff could further vet Stockman's application and discuss his vision for the board. Kelly said she was concerned because Stockman "works for the Chamber of Commerce" and the chamber "has not had a lot of input with parks and rec" in recent years.
Other councilmembers countered that the Parks and Recreation Board is an advisory body and that nonresident board members are permitted for some city boards. Supporters noted Stockman's role directing the Festival of Lights and his familiarity with park events as qualifications for the advisory post. After a roll-call vote (several councilmembers voiced concerns but nonetheless supported the appointment), the motion to appoint Stockman passed.
The council discussed tabling as an option and reiterated that tabling would return the item to the next meeting for further review; however, a majority voted to approve the appointment at this meeting. The council did not attach conditions to the appointment in the vote.
Stockman's appointment will take effect immediately; councilmembers asked staff to provide more clarity on committee expectations and any potential conflicts of interest that may be perceived because of Stockman's Chamber role.
