St. Joseph County health officer accuses commissioners of "political theater"

St. Joseph County's health officer is accusing county commissioners of "political theater", following a vote to reject nearly $3 million in CDC grant money.

The federal dollars would pay for community health workers and education efforts. The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners voted 2-1, at its meeting Tuesday, to refuse the money, because of concerns whether the grant would require the county to follow CDC guidance.

Health officer Dr. Robert Einterz told ABC57 in an email, “It was political theater on the part of the Commissioners, kowtowing to misinformation and conspiracy theorists. Our community deserves better. I am confident the County Council will override the Commissioners veto.”

County commissioners also unanimously vetoed the St. Joseph County budget. Commissioner Derek Dieter told ABC57, among the issues was a desire to see a transparent system to set salaries and raises. It goes back to the county council for review.