Veteran Will Rogers Memorial Commissioner Reappointed

 

CLAREMORE — Gov. Brad Henry has reappointed veteran Will Rogers Memorial Commissioner Jim Hartz, State Senator Sean Burrage, Claremore, announced. Hartz was first named to the Commission in 1987 and has served as chairman since 1994.

“We are delighted that Mr. Hartz has agreed to continue serving on the Commission,” Sen. Burrage said. “He is indeed a valuable addition to the membership, and we appreciate the contribution of his time and talents to this prestigious Commission.”

The appointment requires Senate confirmation.

Although he lives on the east coast, Hartz is a frequent visitor to the Will Rogers Memorial Museums in Claremore and Oologah. He has said he starts each visit to Oklahoma with a walk-though of the Will Rogers Memorial and a trip to the birthplace ranch.

“I am extremely grateful to Governor Henry and the State Legislature for giving me the opportunity to continue one of the great loves of my life — my longtime association with Will Rogers, the people of Claremore and the state of Oklahoma” Hartz said.. It doesn’t get much better than this.”

As a co-host of NBC’s “Today Show,” Hartz was one of the most recognized faces on television in the 1970s. His career started in Tulsa radio and than at KOTV television in Tulsa before he was called to New York to anchor the 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts. He spent nearly four years co-hosting “Today” with Barbara Walters before returning to covering news and Tom Brokaw became the host.

He has been a Commission volunteer under four governors, first appointed by Gov. Henry Bellmon, He was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.

Other members of the Commission, charged with direction of the Claremore and Oologah Museums, are Steve Turnbo, Tulsa, vice chairman; Paul Johnson, Tulsa; Steve Pazzo;  Claremore; Deacon Turner, Tulsa; and Cara Cowan Watts, Claremore. Kem Rogers of Tennessee represents the family on the Commission.