Health officer position will stay as it is

Spokane’s next public health officer will remain the chief medical director and administrator for the Spokane Regional Health District, board members agreed in a close vote Wednesday.

After nearly three hours of discussion, members voted 6-5 not to split the single position into two posts that would report separately to the board.

“As a private citizen, I don’t want to see the health district run by politicians,” said board newcomer Bonnie Mager.

She and others who opposed the split argued that restructuring the agency wasn’t necessary and that it could diminish the health officer’s clout, perhaps weakening the pool of potential candidates.

“I believe the existing system should be given a chance,” said member Rob Crow.

Also voting against the split were members Mark Richard, Mary Verner, Charles Wolfe and Margaret Jones.

Voting in favor of creating two positions were Todd Mielke, Bill Gothman, Brad Stark, Dick Denenney and David Crump. Michael Fisk was unable to attend.

Mielke had pushed for the change because of the growing complexity of the agency, which has nearly 250 employees and an annual budget of $23 million. He argued that the duties required specialization, and reminded members that the board has the final authority – and responsibility – for health and administrative issues.

After that bid failed, board members voted a second time, agreeing unanimously to retain the current arrangement.

The move was applauded by Dr. Brian Seppi, head of the Spokane County Medical Society, which represents about 800 local doctors.

“I’m hopeful that since they retained the current structure, they will get a strong applicant,” Seppi said.

He recommended seeking a strong leader who could delegate duties to Torney Smith, the health district’s administrator. Pressed by board members, Smith said he favored the current arrangement.

“I think this is the better choice,” he said.

Now the board can begin searching for a replacement for former health officer Dr. Kim Thorburn, who was fired last fall.

Verner urged the group to work quickly and thoroughly to fill the post vacant since November.

“As we stretch this out month after month, bad consequences can occur,” she warned.