Local elected officials intervened when the board didn’t include them on the selection committee to replace the retiring Dr. R. Kenneth Spear.
Vanderburgh County Health Oficer Dr. R. Kenneth Spear announced he's retiring from that position at the end of this year. He cited the pressure of dealing with the pandemic and declining health as reasons. Spear has been the county's health officer since March of 2014, according to the health department website.
During the meeting the County Health Board members voted to have a three member selection committee, made up of current board members, find a replacement for the retiring Spear.
Then, during public comments at the end of the meeting, Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke asked the board to consider how his office could be included more closely in the committee’s selection.
“I think it would bring good perspective from the beginning and I just wanted to get that thought out there.”
Vanderburgh County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave was more direct.
“He’s a critical part of county government, and it’s important to help find the right person.”
Following the comments, the health board reopened discussion and voted to expand the selection committee for the county’s health officer to five members, including representatives from city and county government.
