Remembering George Nigh: A Legacy of Dignity in Oklahoma Politics
Oklahoma Leaders Honor Former Governor George Nigh, Reflect on Political Civility
Oklahoma City, OK – Oklahoma leaders are paying heartfelt tribute to former Governor George Nigh, who passed away at the age of 98. As they remember his legacy, many are using this moment to reflect on the current state of political discourse in the state and beyond.
In a recent interview on Your Vote Counts, State Senator Paul Rosino and former State Representative Jason Dunnington joined host Scott Mitchell to celebrate Nigh’s life and contributions. Both lawmakers emphasized Nigh’s reputation as a dignified statesman who garnered respect from both sides of the political aisle.
“If there’s going to be a Mount Rushmore for Oklahoma, George Nigh’s picture is going to be on that,” Mitchell remarked. “He is like the Forrest Gump of Oklahoma in real time, having been present for so many pivotal moments in our history.”
Dunnington described Nigh as a “distinguished statesman” who held nearly every public office, including state representative, lieutenant governor, and governor, before serving as president of the University of Central Oklahoma. He also proudly served as a Navy veteran.
“He was a class act,” Rosino recalled. “His smile and engaging personality could bring down anyone’s guard.”
Rosino noted the rarity of a political figure being so widely respected, especially in today’s polarized environment. “He was a quality person, and everyone across the aisle liked him. That says something, especially in today’s climate,” he said.
From Dignity to Division
The conversation soon shifted to the current political landscape, with all three panelists expressing concern over rising hostility, misinformation, and the impact of social media on public trust.
“What we’ve seen recently is disgusting, terrible, awful,” Mitchell stated, echoing the sentiments of many Oklahomans who feel disillusioned by the current state of politics.
Rosino criticized both major political parties for contributing to increasing polarization, arguing that fear and negativity have become barriers to public engagement. “We can agree to disagree, but we don’t have to be so ugly,” he said. “People are forgiving, especially in Oklahoma.”
Dunnington added that national political narratives often frame issues in a way that pits Americans against each other. “You frame it always as you’re the good guy and the other political party is the bad guy,” he explained. “And then you wonder why people show up to town halls furious.”
Hope in Local Leadership
Despite the national trends, both lawmakers expressed optimism about Oklahoma’s political climate. “Oklahoma elected officials are, for the vast majority of them, really great humans,” Dunnington said. “Those days seem like they’re long in the past, but not so much in Oklahoma.”
Mitchell praised initiatives like those from Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall, who recently announced a series of in-person town halls across the state aimed at fostering dialogue.
Rosino shared a personal story about a constituent from the opposite party who was pleasantly surprised to receive a return phone call from him. “He said, ‘Thank you, it meant a lot.’ And he was from the opposite party,” Rosino recounted, highlighting the potential for civility in political interactions.
As Oklahoma mourns the loss of George Nigh, his legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of dignity, respect, and bipartisanship in politics—a lesson that resonates now more than ever.
