For Immediate
Release: September 23, 2004
Pictured L-R: Kevin Logan son of Debbe Leftwich, David McLain
brother of Debbe Leftwich,
Kurt Leftwich son of Debbe and Keith Leftwich, Senator Debbe
Leftwich,
Bruce Taylor chief engineer ODOT and Senator Mike Morgan.
Highway Dedicated in Honor of Former
Senator
State Senator Debbe
Leftwich (D-Oklahoma City) had the privilege today to
dedicate a portion of I-240 in honor of her late husband
and former senator, Keith Leftwich.
Legislation was signed into law during the previous legislative
session to designate I-240 between I-35 and I-44 as the
“Keith Leftwich Memorial Loop.” The former South
Oklahoma City leader died after a valiant battle with cancer
on September 19th, 2003. Debbe Leftwich then ran for her
late husband’s senate seat and won the race to carry
on the Leftwich tradition in public service.
"I was very pleased when the legislation was signed
into law. Keith loved his district and loved his state.
He felt a great sense of pride to serve in the State Legislature
and it is appropriate that we have a permanent memorial
in his name," stated Debbe Leftwich.
Senate Appropriations Chairman and co-author of the legislation,
Mike
Morgan, was on hand for the ceremony and stated, “Keith
was a friend and a respected colleague who understood the
importance of a modern transportation system to the growth
of this state. It is more than fitting that he is remembered
this way.”
Leftwich dedicated his life to his family and to public
service. He began his term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives
in 1982 and from that point on, Leftwich served the constituents
of South Oklahoma City with pride. He served three terms
in the House and was elected to the State Senate in 1990,
where he finished his life of public service.
During his time in the legislature, Leftwich authored bills
that put prisoners to work, fought juvenile crime and gangs,
created much stronger penalties for prostitution, stopped
unwanted telemarketing harassment, reformed utility regulations,
as well as pass legislation that has improved business practices
in state government.
“Senator Leftwich was a visionary in so many areas
– his work in transportation and infrastructure development
showed tremendous dedication and foresight. His contributions
to the transportation arena will continue to have an impact
on our state for years to come,” stated Bruce Taylor
Chief Engineer of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
Permanent markers will be placed on I-240 between I-35 and
I-44 to indicate the “Keith Leftwich Memorial Loop.”
"Keith enjoyed every minute of his life in public service.
He was a man of integrity and honor and would do anything
to ensure the safety of Oklahoma citizens. The Keith Leftwich
Memorial Loop means a lot to me and my family as well as
to the constituents of Senate District 44," said Senator
D. Leftwich.
For
more information contact:
Senate Communications Office -
(405) 521-5774
