Framingham Council Rejects Mayor's Health Director Pick

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The Framingham City Council on Tuesday rejected Mayor Yvonne Spicer's pick to lead the city's health department, leaving Framingham without a health department leader nearly seven months after Dr. Sam Wong left the post.

Spicer nominated Charles, 42, in late May. Charles works at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service's Office of Rural Health, and worked in similar position in Florida. Councilors said Charles appeared to be an accomplished person — but lacked the local experience and familiarity with regulations in Massachusetts to be a good candidate for Framingham.

Councilors also highlighted that Charles does not hold a degree in public health — she holds a doctorate of health science and a masters degree in public policy — and has focused on rural health versus Framingham's more urban setting.

"That learning curve is a concern for me," District 4 Councilor Michael Cannon said.

District 8 Councilor John Stefanini called the Framingham director "the most powerful position in our community" because that person can, for example, shut down restaurants without due process. He questioned how she would fit in a role that requires her to know a wide range of esoteric regulations.

"I'm having a hard time seeing why this is a good fit for you, and why you're a good fit for us," he said during an interview between Charles and the Council.

District 7 Councilor Margareth Shepard asked Charles why she applied for the position given Wong's contentious exit, and with the possibility COVID-19 could return. Charles said she admired the health department's accomplishments, and wanted to move her career to the local level.

Wong unexpectedly took a medical leave at the end of December, which led to his formal resignation months later. The departure led to questions about why Wong left, a move that public health leaders across the state called "devastating" for Framingham. Wong recently took a new job with the state Department of Public Health.

Charles did have some key supporters. Board of Health Chair Gillian Carcia, Vice Chair Dr. David Moore and member Laura Housman said she has good experience for Framingham. They highlighted her experience managing budgets and grant writing as particularly important for the role.

"I think she is absolutely the best candidate we interviewed without question," Moore said.

Spicer said 11 people applied for the health director role with three chosen as finalists. Only two were interviewed because the third candidate dropped out. She was chosen by a panel including Carcia, Moore, Housman, Spicer and Chief Diversity Officer Maritsa Barros. Carcia noted during the meeting that no other health directors from Massachusetts applied for the job.

Assistant Director of Public Health Alexandra DePalo has been serving as the interim health director since Wong left.

Tuesday's rejection was not unanimous. In a 7 to 4 vote, Councilors Cesar Stewart-Morales, Adam Steiner, Tracey Bryant and Shepard supported Charles' appointment.