[Goose]

But even f you say the public health officer shouldn't be subject to elections, but should give recommendations for elected officials to make their own calls, you're in effectively the same position, with public health officials neutered to protect public health. I again go back to the Korea example with the KBO and the Korean CDC.  KBO only was able to play games in accordance with its CDC guidelines. This is how it should be, because this allows the health experts to make the calls, not business interests who really don't care about or have any responsibility for pubic health.

OF, while I absolutely totally agree with the idea that Public Health Officers should not be elected, I think your emphasis in wrong. The Board of Supervisors can fire the Public Health Officer if they wish. They appoint the holder of that office. It is in no way a lifetime appointment. Further, the Sheriff has the law enforcement duties in the county. If the Sheriff refuses to enforce the County Health Officers orders, they will not be enforced. We see this right now in Orange County.

The Supervisors firing the Health Officer is a lot like the President firing the Attorney General. You can do it, but you better have public support if you do. That said, the authority of the Public Health Officer isn't absolute and probably can't go against the grain of the Supervisors too much or there will be a vacancy. It is useful for the Supervisors because they can hide behind the expertise of the Health Officer when desired. Similarly, the State Health Officer is appointed by the Governor. They can be fired if necessary.

[Goose]

But even f you say the public health officer shouldn't be subject to elections, but should give recommendations for elected officials to make their own calls, you're in effectively the same position, with public health officials neutered to protect public health. I again go back to the Korea example with the KBO and the Korean CDC.  KBO only was able to play games in accordance with its CDC guidelines. This is how it should be, because this allows the health experts to make the calls, not business interests who really don't care about or have any responsibility for pubic health.

OF, while I absolutely totally agree with the idea that Public Health Officers should not be elected, I think your emphasis in wrong. The Board of Supervisors can fire the Public Health Officer if they wish. They appoint the holder of that office. It is in no way a lifetime appointment. Further, the Sheriff has the law enforcement duties in the county. If the Sheriff refuses to enforce the County Health Officers orders, they will not be enforced. We see this right now in Orange County.

The Supervisors firing the Health Officer is a lot like the President firing the Attorney General. You can do it, but you better have public support if you do. That said, the authority of the Public Health Officer isn't absolute and probably can't go against the grain of the Supervisors too much or there will be a vacancy. It is useful for the Supervisors because they can hide behind the expertise of the Health Officer when desired. Similarly, the State Health Officer is appointed by the Governor. They can be fired if necessary.