The public deserves to know more about the sudden change in leadership at the R.I. Department of Health and the response from Gov. Daniel J. McKee’s administration.
Is it coincidence that the department’s director, Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, and second-in-command, Thomas McCarthy, announced their resignations less than a week apart last month? That seems unlikely, given the importance of their responsibilities amid an ongoing pandemic.
While Mr. McCarthy had just been elevated to deputy director in December, Ms. Alexander-Scott had led the department since 2015 and was widely recognized for her leadership throughout the pandemic.
It is damning for the McKee administration that neither has publicly explained their decision or their need to exit as swiftly as possible, though Mr. McCarthy has reportedly chosen to move to the private sector.
Gov. McKee’s response has also generated more questions than answers.
Why was it necessary to bring in a host of players from outside the department to support Dr. James McDonald’s elevation to interim director?
And is there truly so little leadership and expertise left within the department that the state needed to agree to a $46,000-per-month consulting contract for three months with Ms. Alexander-Scott?
The lack of answers has predictably led to speculation that the looming gubernatorial race fueled friction between Gov. McKee’s office and top state health officials.
And the department itself has unfortunately suffered collateral damage in the fallout.