Claremore Daily Progress

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February 4, 2010

<b>Unseen Ramifications - </b> Henry's consolidation plan could threaten J. M. Davis' lease

Henry’s plan could threaten J. M. Davis’ lease

By Randy Cowling, Managing Editor

February 4, 2010 — When Gov. Brad Henry threw out a proposal to consolidate numerous state agencies as a way to bridge the state’s $1 billion shortfall, he may not have fully studied the idea.

In a summary to his State of the Union, Henry outlined a proposal that would incorporate Rogers County’s Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Dog Iron Ranch and the J. M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum into the Oklahoma Historical Society.

What Henry might not understand is dissolving the existing J. M. Davis Commission might open the door, which would invalidate a 99-year lease with the J. M. Davis Foundation for the world’s largest gun collection.

“It must have been something that the governor must have put in at the last minute,” said Bill Higgins, chair of the J. M Davis Arms and Historical Museum Commission. “There is no way this (consolidation) would save money. We operate on a bare bones budget.”

The overall savings of Henry’s consolidation plan would be about $5.3 million dollars or about 1/10 of 1 percent, Higgins said. Compared to the $1 billion that Henry and lawmakers need to cut to present a balanced budget it is a very small savings.

Higgins sent a letter to Henry on Wednesday questioning the plan.

“Paul Sund of the governor’s office said it was only a proposal,” Higgins said.

What makes the possible consolidation precarious is the J. M. Davis Commission and the J. M. Davis Foundation are involved in litigation over the more than 40,000-piece collection. The foundation wants to take control over the world’s largest collection of arms.

The lawsuit was filed by the foundation in August 2008 in Tulsa County and the commission asked that it be transferred to Rogers County on Sept. 24, 2008.

Henry’s plan, if approved by legislators, could make the litigation mute if in fact the arms museum were to have oversight by the Oklahoma Historical Society and not need a board of commissioners, Higgins said.

Higgins serves as chair with Jack Mayberry of Claremore as vice chair, Denny Haddox and Donald Hill of Claremore and Christopher Sutherland of Jenks.

J. M Davis transferred ownership of the massive gun collection to the J. M Davis Foundation in 1965. The Foundation leased the collection to the State of Oklahoma for $1 for 99 years, with an option to renew.

The only stipulations of the lease were that the state build and maintain a modern facility to house the collection in Claremore and that the collection be open to the public at no charge.

Higgins said he knows Rep. Tad Jones and Sen. Sean Burrage are opposed to Henry’s recommended merger, as are other area state legislators including Rep. Ben Sherrer and Rep.Chuck Hoskins.

“Everyone recognizes that they (Will Rogers Museum and J. M . Davis Museum) are a great asset to Rogers County and the entire state,” Higgins said. “These are world-class museums.”

Higgins urged residents to contact Gov. Henry’s office to voice opposition to the consolidation plan. Residents should call 405-521-2342 in Oklahoma City or 918-521-2801 in Tulsa voice their concerns. Faxes may also be sent to 405-521-3353.

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