Patricia McManus will be Milwaukee's interim health chief after Mayor Barrett stands down

Patricia McManus will be Milwaukee's next health commissioner after Mayor Tom Barrett returned her appointment by the Common Council unsigned.

Barrett criticized the council for appointing her last week by an overwhelming vote during a Thursday news conference, saying the process moved too quickly.

"The reason that I did not sign the document is because I have made clear my displeasure and concern with the rushed and unprecedented application of the council's emergency appointment authority," Barrett said.

Barrett did not cite his concerns about McManus' recent controversial comments that "the science is still out" on whether some vaccines cause autism as a reason for not signing off on her appointment.

His comments instead focused on the vetting process, saying it should have included a public hearing.

"Unfortunately, the actions of the council were not motivated by public health, but by political concerns," Barrett said.

Barrett withdrew his pick, Paul Nannis, in the face of vocal opposition from aldermen.

The mayor said Milwaukee's children and families don't deserve an "extended controversy" over an interim appointment. The application process for a long-term health commissioner closes next week, and the selection process will begin soon afterward, Barrett added.

"The members of the Common Council and I have a shared obligation to families and children to move the Health Department forward," Barrett said. "We need to engage the public. We need to restore the public's trust in this department."

He and McManus have had two "constructive" meetings where he shared his concerns and priorities, Barrett said.

He said the department's focus needs to be on the city's lead problems.

"I've made it clear to her and others that for all of the hoopla that's going on, that the major focus should remain on removing lead paint from older homes," Barrett said. "That in no way minimizes any concerns that individuals have about lead in other places."

But Barrett added that he and McManus agree the city should distribute more water filters that remove lead from drinking water, especially for families with young children, nursing mothers and pregnant women.

McManus drew criticism from federal health officials and doctors last week following her comments about possible links between some vaccines and autism.

Barrett has disputed those comments, saying "the science is settled" that there is no link.

"I've made it clear to her, as I've made it clear to the public, that I see absolutely no connection between measles and mumps (vaccinations) and autism. She understands where I'm coming from," Barrett said. "And as I've said repeatedly, the policy of the Milwaukee Health Department for years has been to promote immunizations. I am very confident that that is going to continue."

Barrett said McManus has told him she is not interested in a long-term appointment to the post, left vacant when Bevan Baker resigned abruptly last month amid problems with the city's lead program.

When asked last week about whether she would be willing to serve for an extended period of time, McManus said, "I'm open to thinking about it."

"I'm not going to leave it. I don't do that," McManus told reporters. "I wouldn't just walk away if they don't have anybody. That's even worse. I couldn't do that."

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