Michigan’s former health department director received $155,506 in severance pay after abruptly resigning from his position in late January.
The separation agreement between former Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon and the state was reported late Monday, more than a month after Gordon resigned suddenly from his position. The agreement includes a confidentiality clause that bars Gordon or state officials from sharing further details about his departure, “unless required by law,”
Gordon announced his resignation via Twitter on January 22, writing “Today, I am resigning from the Whitmer Administration. It’s been an honor to serve alongside wonderful colleagues. I look forward to the next chapter.”
Shortly after, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was asked multiple questions about Gordon’s resignation during a press conference, and if she had asked him to resign. Whitmer did not answer the specific questions, instead she thanked Gordon for his service during the pandemic and leadership over the last two years.
Related: Whitmer won’t say whether she asked former MDHHS Director Robert Gordon to resign
The separation agreement was signed Feb. 22. Payments to Gordon represent nine months of salary -- his annual salary was $182,070 as director of the Department of Health and Human Services -- plus health insurance payments.
Reaction to the separation agreement was swift from legislative Republicans, who have been at odds with the Whitmer administration over health orders pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic.
Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, called on Whitmer to revoke what she called the “taxpayer-financed hush money” paid to Gordon.
“When it comes to state agencies responsible for decisions that put public safety and people’s lives and livelihoods on the line, the people of Michigan have every right to full disclosure and transparency,” Glenn said in a press release. “Gov. Whitmer should not be allowed to use state tax dollars to pay ‘hush money’ to departing state regulators, and now that it’s been revealed, she should reverse her attempt to force taxpayers to foot the bill for buying Mr. Gordon’s silence.”
According to the agreement, Gordon voluntarily resigned his employment. His initial “period of appointment” for which he was given by Whitmer to hold the job was “at the pleasure of the governor,” according to his letter of appointment.
Since news of the agreement became public March 1, the Michigan Republican Party has called on the governor and former health department director to “release all information related to a secret deal between the two parties.”
In a press release, the party also suggested that the state attorney general’s office open an investigation and that the legislature hold hearings to determine, “Why is Gov. Whitmer buying the silence of a former government employee, the state’s top public health official, in the middle of a global pandemic?”
Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, said continued secrecy from the Whitmer administration “is troubling” and gives more reason to investigate the administration’s COVID-19 policies.
Rep. Glenn, chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Environment, Great Lakes and the Energy, said she plans to propose language to prohibit the use of tax dollars “for such payoffs, if designed to silence departing officials.”
MLive requested Gordon’s personnel file, including reviews, promotions, raises, complaints and disciplinary records, on Jan. 25. The state responded to the Freedom of Information Act request with a singular document -- Gordon’s letter of appointment.
Attempts by MLive to contact Gordon following his resignation have been unsuccessful.
Shortly after Gordon’s departure, Gov. Whitmer named his former deputy, Elizabeth Hertel, as his successor.
Read more on MLive:
See how Michigan compares to other states in mental health status during pandemic
Michigan lists 103 new coronavirus outbreaks and 473 ongoing clusters in March 1 report
When will I get vaccinated? The No. 1 pandemic question that’s making Michiganders nervous
"pay" - Google News
March 02, 2021 at 10:52PM
https://ift.tt/3bVrp15
Former Michigan health director given $155K severance pay after abrupt resignation - MLive.com
"pay" - Google News
https://ift.tt/301s6zB
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Former Michigan health director given $155K severance pay after abrupt resignation - MLive.com"
Post a Comment