City Council President Breean Beggs, Council Member Karen Stratton and Council Member Betsy Wilkerson, who all serve on the Spokane Regional Health District’s Board of Health, have issued the following statements regarding tonight’s Board of Health Meeting. The Board considered a request to terminate Dr. Bob Lutz during the meeting, which was accepted by a vote of 8-4. All three Council Members voted against terminating Dr. Lutz.
Council President Beggs: “My vote tonight to keep Dr. Lutz in his position as our Health Officer was based on the answer to a simple question- what would keep Spokane safer and healthier? I have seen first-hand the hard work that both Dr. Lutz and Amelia Clark have put into the SRHD, especially since March. Dr. Lutz has been the face of public health in our community during these difficult months and I do not believe that a difficult relationship between two individuals within the SRHD should put the health of our greater community at risk. I do not agree with the process that was undertaken to terminate Dr. Lutz, and I will work hard to update our procedures to make sure that the Health Officer can always speak the medical truth to our community.”
Council Member Karen Stratton: “It feels like two people that were doing the best job they know how and who were both committed and compassionate about their community, yet it just didn’t work out. We owe it to our community to always put their health and well-being first, and as a Board member that is my commitment, to consider the safety of Spokane.”
Council Member Betsy Wilkerson: “Despite the internal differences, the community wants and needs to feel safe. My vote to keep Dr. Lutz was rooted in being a voice for our community to continue the uninterrupted path in keeping Spokane safe. As we approach future uncertainty of a global pandemic, I will commit to ensure that the Board has defined and transparent processes going forward.”
