Mark Costello (Oklahoma politician)
Mark Costello (November 10, 1955 – August 23, 2015) was the Commissioner of Labor of Oklahoma from 2011 to 2015. A Republican, he was elected in 2010, defeating the Democratic incumbent, Lloyd Fields. Before his election he was a businessman who founded several technology companies.[1]
Mark Costello | |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma Labor Commissioner | |
| In office January 10, 2011 – August 23, 2015 | |
| Preceded by | Lloyd Fields |
| Succeeded by | Melissa Houston |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 10, 1955 Bartlesville, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Died | August 23, 2015 (aged 59) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Resting place | Lockridge Cemetery Edmond, Oklahoma |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Cathy Cerkey Costello (1982–2015; his death) |
| Children | 5 |
| Residence | Edmond, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Website | Oklahoma Department of Labor official website |
After taking office, he established a non-profit advocacy group to oppose the positions of public employee unions,[2] and fought federal regulations on family farms.[3]
Election results
- July 27, 2010 Republican Primary[4]
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Costello | 127,413 | 57.06% | |
| Jason Reese | 95,869 | 42.94% | |
- November 2, 2010 General Election[5]
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Costello | 649,748 | 64.17% | |
| Lloyd Fields | 362,805 | 35.83% | |
- November 4, 2014 General Election[6]
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Costello | 504,307 | 62.8% | |
| Mike Workman | 299,284 | 37.2% | |
Personal life
Costello was born in Bartlesville and graduated from College High School, then attended the University of Kansas while working summers on oil rigs in the North Sea. He married Cathy Cerkey in 1982; they had five children.[7]
Costello founded American Computer & Telephone (AMCAT) in 1991, a telephone software company based in Oklahoma City. AMCAT was sold in 2007. He founded another telecommunications company, USA Digital Communications, in 1997.[7] He identified as Catholic and pro-life, and was a member of the National Rifle Association.[8]
Death
Costello died from stab wounds inflicted by his own son on August 23, 2015, at a Braum's restaurant in Oklahoma City. Eyewitnesses observed the incident. They saw Costello and his son Christian circling the restaurant. Eventually, a witness stopped the son by ramming him with his car. His son was arrested following the incident, and is reported to have a history of mental illness. [9] [10][11]
References
- Susan Simpson, "Oklahoma elections: Costello wins primary, will meet Fields for labor commission spot", The Oklahoman, July 28, 2013.
- Randy Krehbiel, "Labor commissioner takes aim at public employee unions", Tulsa World, September 13, 2011 (pay site).
- "Okla. Labor Comm. says US rules attack rural farms", boston.com, November 30, 2011.
- "SUMMARY RESULTS: Primary Election – July 27, 2010". ok.gov. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
- "SUMMARY RESULTS: General Election – November 2, 2010". ok.gov. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
- "SUMMARY RESULTS: General Election – November 4, 2014". ok.gov. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
- "Oklahoma Agencies, Boards, and Commissions: Elected Officers, Cabinet, Legislature, High Courts, and Institutions", Oklahoma Department of Libraries, September 1, 2012.
- "SW Oklahoma Republican Women to host Costello at Tuesday meeting", altustimes.com, April 2010.
- Sharpton, Bethany (August 24, 2015), Christian Costello: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Oklahoma City: heavy.com
- Sharpton, Bethany (August 24, 2015), "Oklahoma State Labor Commissioner killed in stabbing at northwest Oklahoma City restaurant", KOCO TV 5, Oklahoma City: Ohio/Oklahoma Hearst Television Inc, retrieved 2015-08-24
- Holly Yan and Amanda Watts (August 24, 2015). "Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Mark Costello fatally stabbed by his adult son who is supposedly mentally retarded, according to what some say". CNN. Retrieved August 24, 2015.