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Robert Gordon: "Whitmer deserves a health director with whom she is compatible."
When Michigan's health director Robert Gordon abruptly left his job Jan. 22, rumors circulated that he had differences on Covid policy with the governor.
Now, in a letter to House Oversight Chairman Steve Johnson, R-Wayland, he confirms that "reasonable people" disagreed on some of the state's Covid-19 responses, The Detroit News reports. He didn't cite specifics, but noted there were robust conversations.
It was first time Gordon publicly commented on his sudden departure. He declined a request to appear before the committee.
"This was healthy: the stakes were life and death, and different people have different roles," Gordon writes in the letter on Thursday. "Michigan was hit hard by COVID early, and initially had the third highest fatality rate in the nation. But different perspectives can produce strong outcomes. Michigan has fallen to 21st in deaths per capita."
"The evidence is clear that Governor Whitmer’s actions have saved thousands of lives. I was honored to play a part in that work. Governor Whitmer deserves a health director with whom she is comfortable."
Jonathan Oosting of Bridge Michigan reports:
A Jan. 15 email obtained by Bridge shows he had pushed a stricter restaurant reopening plan than the one he signed and Whitmer announced a week later. He had warned of “super spreader” risk.
Gordon wanted a max 25 diners allowed indoors, regardless of capacity, unless restaurants completed a new “five-star certification” process, which would have included air ventilation system inspection.
His departure caused particular concern after it became known that he was given $155,506 as part of his severance, with the condition that both sides maintain confidentially about reasons for his departure.
He released his letter two hours after Gordon and the Whitmer administration agreed to drop the confidentiality clause.
