To the editor:

I doubt that many are aware that there has been a purge of sorts going on lately at Sullivan County Public Health Services. The “Code of Conduct” makes it a lot easier to investigate and fire people and yes, it does sound a bit medieval. 

 I have no objection to cleaning out really bad employees but losing too many at one time can destabilize this much beleaguered institution, on which the health of the community relies.  

Once destabilized, the department’s performance will suffer and then it can be discredited, disassembled, and components such as the Certified Home Health Care Agency can be sold.  

I believe that has been on Mr. Robert A Doherty’s To Do List since he was elected Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature in 2020. He took a break during the worst of the pandemic but here he comes again, with typical unsubtlety.

The latest and greatest casualty is the Department Head, Nancy McGraw, the Director of Public Health, who was placed on an administrative leave this week.  

Anybody who has worked in our county knows that it’s extremely easy to fire a Department Head for any error or problem that has occurred at any time during their employment, since they lack any meaningful union representation. 

This leaves the new Acting Director to also fulfill the positions of Deputy Director, Director of Patient Services, and to supervise all the various programs with currently only two Supervisors to help her, amidst the current public health “tridemic” wave of COVID, influenza and RSV. There must be important work that isn’t getting done and the community’s health will suffer for it.

 I think it’s a damn shame that Mr. Doherty, who calls all the shots in this county, should seek to ruin the reputation of one very upright and tenacious woman who has worked like a dog to protect this community. 

Lise Kennedy

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