Kenneth Jordan named Municipal Counselor

(February 1, 2006) - The City Council selected a long-time City attorney to succeed William Burkett whose retirement as Municipal Counselor took effect at 5 p.m. yesterday.

At 5:01 Assistant Municipal Counselor Kenneth Jordan was sworn in as Municipal Counselor. The City Council selected Jordan, who said he plans to continue with Burkett’s management style, at its regular Tuesday meeting.

Jordan has handled assignments, projects and given legal advice related to almost all major areas of City legal practice during his 24-year tenure with the City. Work related to zoning and land use practice, municipal finance, labor relations, elections and City trust issues are just some examples of his broad legal experience.

He has been the City’s State Legislative Liaison since 1990, was appointed head of the Administrative services division of the office in 2003 and has served as lead counsel in contract negotiations and several City court proceedings.

"A Municipal Counselor needs a keen legal mind, an understanding of municipal law and the ability to manage what is essentially a law firm," Mayor Mick Cornett said. "Kenneth Jordan meets all these qualifications and we are fortunate to have someone of his caliber ready to step right in.”

Jordan earned his JD from the Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1980 and has a Bachelor’s degree with a major in history from OCU. His first service to the City was as an intern and Law clerk from 1978 – 1980. From 1980 until he returned to City service in 1984, he worked as an associate for Gwin & Gwin Law Firm where he specialized in oil/gas title opinions.

“I consider it an honor to serve as Municipal Counselor and pledge to do my personal and professional best to live up to the confidence you have placed in me,” he said.

Jordan, 52, is a life-long resident of the metro area. He and his wife Debby have two adult children and two grandchildren.

In accordance with the City Charter, the Municipal Counselor is one of the positions appointed by the City Council. The others are the City Manager, City Auditor and Municipal judges. All other department heads are hired by the City Manager. The City operates under the Council/Manager form of government.

City Manager Jim Couch said he is pleased with the Council’s selection. “My staff and I have always enjoyed working with Kenny. He’s been a key player on many major projects including the complex Skirvin Hotel financing. He is an excellent attorney and I am personally pleased the City Council named him to the position.” Couch said.