The Woodward News

Local News

September 11, 2012

No ruling in hearing

Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — ENID – A hearing was held in District Judge Paul Woodward's courtroom Monday to determine if the Woodward Industrial Foundation is a public body.

No ruling was made after Woodward heard from Industrial Foundation Attorney Cody Hodgden, who was in the courtroom, and Assistant District Attorney A. J. Laubhan, who appeared by telephone, according to the judge's court reporter. The attorneys made initial arguments and Woodward asked for legal authorities from the attorneys. There was no indication of a time or date for the next hearing.

Last week District Attorney Hollis Thorp ruled the Industrial Foundation is a public body and should be subject to the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act. He was looking into the issue after receiving a request from a citizen.

The Industrial Foundation is challenging the ruling, saying since it is a private, non-profit entity that contracts with the city to provide economic development and business recruitment services it is not a public body.

Note: The Enid News & Eagle contributed to this report.

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