Judge Orders Release of $169K Severance Deal | Oklahoma City News

A Oklahoma County judge has ordered the state’s Wildlife Conservation Commission to release a $169,341 severance deal with former director J.D. Strong, ruling it’s a public record despite a confidentiality clause. The commission initially resisted, but the court sided with transparency advocates, emphasizing taxpayer accountability. The case began after Oklahoma Voice sued in May for access to the agreement, which was signed in December upon Strong’s resignation. The ruling could become a landmark precedent for future public records requests involving public officials’ exit packages. The state’s attorney general hasn’t commented and may appeal, but for now, the agreement must be made public. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4699e1b416a9ba51