We voted them in

Many of you in the community, like me, still feel shocked and dismayed that Dr. Lutz could be fired in an 8-4 vote of the (Spokane Regional Health District) Board. How is it that a highly regarded physician and experienced public health director, who has received hundreds of letters, signatures and public protests in support, can be fired?

Simple … look at the chain of command. Al French, who missed 22 consecutive BOH meetings, made the motion to have him fired, AND minutes later came up with a replacement. We voted him into his county commissioner office time and again.

Nadine Woodard, our pro-business mayor, said it was the best news ever. We voted her in.

The other members of the BOH who voted to have Lutz fired were elected county officials, or appointees of the county commission. Every one of them we voted in, or they are beholden to an elected official.

And Amelia Clark, the ringleader (or the pawn) was hired by the BOH … same team, all of 13 months ago (compared to Lutz’s eight years as an unpaid member-at-large on the BOH, and three years as the public health director).

We as a community will be severely, adversely affected by this blatantly political move to remove Dr. Lutz. Moral of the story … your vote matters. This travesty occurred because of flaws in a system over which we have no control, other than who we vote for. We must remember that and do a better job next time.

Eileen M. Martin

Spokane