District Attorney Gene Haynes said a questionable use of county property to endorse a Muskogee County commissioner for re-election should be turned over to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Haynes’ comments came after learning that Rogers County District 2 Commissioner Mike Helm had written a letter to the Muskogee Phoenix newspaper urging the public to return sitting Muskogee County District 2 Commissioner Ronnie Pevehouse to office.

“I’m just thanking a commissioner that helped us with our disaster,” said Helm. “It’s a letter from me. As an elected official, I’m simply thanking him for the use of his two generators during the disaster.”

Helm, who is also seeking re-election this year, apparently did not dictate the content for the letter and was unaware of language that endorsed Pevehouse.

Commission Secretary Rebecca Muratet said Helm asked her to send a thank-you letter to the Muskogee Phoenix. She said she is to blame for wording that endorses Pevehouse for re-election.

“He (Helm) wasn’t even in the office when I sent it,” said Muratet. “He had asked me before he left to go to the ACCO conference to write a letter to the Muskogee Phoenix thanking Commissioner Pevehouse. It was a thank-you to Mr. Pevehouse more than anything.”

Muratet maintains Helm did not tell her to endorse the candidate.

“I guess I did use the word ‘employ’,” said Muratet. “I type a lot of letters on behalf of Mr. Helm and try to give credit where credit’s due.”

“I don’t think he’s even a Republican,” said Helm who maintained he was only thanking the commissioner for his help during the ice storm. “He helped me put water in people’s mouths.”

The letter was sent on Rogers County Commissioner letterhead in an official County Commission envelope. Initials at the bottom of the letter, MH/rlm, indicate the letter was typed by Muratet. Helm said the letterhead stationary was paid for by the County.

“Technically, he should not use any property paid for, that belonged, to the county for his own personal use,” said Haynes.

Helm maintains he’s done nothing wrong. He said Muratet did not question his request that she type the letter.

“Why wouldn’t she spend her time doing it? She’s writing it for a commissioner,” said Helm.