Republican leadership folds to public pressure

Carruthers & Schellenberger rescind previous action, certify Dr. Tom Harris as Health Officer

NEW ALBANY, December 15, 2020 – Floyd County Democratic Party Chair Adam Dickey made the following statement after the Floyd County Commissioners meeting where the Commission, nullifying its previous decision, certify Dr. Tom Harris as Health Officer: 

“Tonight, in the face of a bipartisan outcry, the Republican leadership of Floyd County was forced to back down from a nefarious attempt to replace the Public Health Officer, Dr. Tom Harris. While the Commissioners’ action in rescinding their opposition and certifying the Floyd County Health Board’s selection has put an end to the immediate drama they created, it does not alleviate the numerous questions and public concerns raised by their actions.

“The public is not clear whether the Commissioners support health and safety measures put in place to curtail the Coronavirus by the Health Department. Despite several concerns voiced by the Commissioners, it remains unclear what their chief objection to Dr. Harris was, especially given the wide array of issues they listed and their own lack of interest for the same issues. The fact the Commissioners undertook an action to fire the health officer during a public health crisis illustrates their colossal disregard for public health and safety.

“The public has spoken. Enough is enough – no more political games with this or other critical public positions.”

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