Former Expo Square CEO Plans Lawsuit

The former CEO at Expo Square is planning a lawsuit over his termination. Rick Bjorklund says he's shouldering the load of a direct order from his former boss. News On 6 anchor Terry Hood reports Bjorklund says it was county commissioner Randi Miller who told him to keep Big Splash "off the radar."

Now, his attorney says Bjorklund has become the fall guy for following that order.

"I followed the instructions of my superiors as any employee would, as any employee should. I am bearing the brunt of that right now and that's uncomfortable," said Former Expo Square CEO, Rick Bjorklund.

With his attorney at his side, Rick Bjorklund is speaking out about the loss of his job at Expo Square. The former fairgrounds CEO says he was fired for doing his job and following orders.

It stems from news that Big Splash Water Park was more than eight months late in paying rent for summer 2007 and that an uncashed check for $68,000 from 2006 was still in the Expo Square accounting office.

A letter sent to Bjorklund's attorney from an attorney for Tulsa County says the former CEO was fired for causing "substantial delay" in the payment of the two checks well beyond the due dates.

Bjorklund says it wasn't his decision to put the checks on hold. He says it was former Fair Board Chairman and current County Commissioner Randi Miller who asked him to change the ledger sheets.

"At all times, I'm an employee of the board. I acted on the instructions of the chairman, Randi Miller, and we indeed took it off the radar screen," said Bjorklund.

Commissioner Miller declined an on-camera interview, but released a statement denying that conversation ever took place.

She says, "I never had any conversations with Mr. Bjorklund or gave any direction related to taking any action related to Big Splash that would allow them any special arrangements."

Bjorklund's attorney says he had nothing to gain from changing the financial statements. Gary Richardson claims Bjorklund is the victim of a politician whose secret was about to be told.

"They only became bothered by it when it started becoming public and that's when someone had to be the fall guy," said Bjorklund's Attorney, Gary Richardson.

Bjorklund says Expo Square controller Preston Jackson was not present during the conversation with Miller about Big Splash. But he says shortly after, Jackson was told about her request.