The former leader of Michigan's health department confirmed he resigned after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told him she wanted to go in a different direction, and it was her office's idea to pursue what became a $155,000 deal that included a confidentiality clause.

Robert Gordon also said Thursday at the Legislature he thought the governor asked for his resignation after disagreements over how to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, confirming longstanding suspicions that the ex-director of the Department of Health and Human Services butted heads with Whitmer on safety regulations.

"I think this is a difference of opinion that was in a grey area, where I don't think there was a clear-eyed answer. That's why I made one recommendation, we reached another conclusion. I was quite comfortable signing the order."

Gordon testified before the House Oversight Committee after lawmakers issued a subpoena. He had previously declined several invitations to appear before the committee, saying he thought policy conversations with the governor needed to remain private in order to maintain the ability to have candid and frank debates. But he complied with the legal request after it was issued last week.

At that point, a member of the governor's team asked Gordon if he wanted to resign, and he agreed. Gordon said he was told he could reach out to the office of the attorney general to discuss terms related to his departure.

"When I reflect and when I think back on my service, I am very proud of my service. I have no regrets about serving Gov. Whitmer. I have no regrets about the advice I gave."

Committee Chairman Steven Johnson, R-Wayland, repeatedly argued Thursday that he believes the $155,000 agreement violated the state Constitution.

"It looks like a sweetheart deal to a lot of us.”

That portion states, "Neither the legislature nor any political subdivision of this state shall grant or authorize extra compensation to any public officer, agent or contractor after the service has been rendered or the contract entered into."

Gordon said the agreement was presented to him by an attorney with the office of the Michigan Attorney General. He trusted that attorney that the agreement was constitutional.

"I worked my heart out. And the stakes were enormous. I used to read regularly stories about those who had lost their lives, and it had a big impact on me because every life is sacred," Gordon said.

"So if you're asking me if the taxpayers got a good deal on my public service, with respect, I believe they did."

At the same time, the Legislature also routinely uses separation agreements. In the last decade, the Senate and House have paid out more than $690,000 through more than 30 deals.

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