Another CRONY in charge of pandemic flu response

[SillyGoose]

With all this talk lately of a possible pandemic of avian flu, I got to wondering who is in charge of responding to a health crisis in the US. Following the government's poor handling and response following Katrina I am concerned about having another "Brownie" in charge of a flu pandemic.

From what I can tell, it would fall to Stewart Simonson the Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness in the Department of Health and Human Services. From his bio I learned he is a lawyer with no background in public heath.
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Simonson serves as the Secretary's principal advisor on matters related to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. He also coordinates interagency activities between HHS, other federal departments, agencies, offices and state and local officials responsible for emergency preparedness and the protection of the civilian population from acts of bioterrorism and other public health emergencies.

Most recently, Simonson served as Special Counsel to the Secretary and acted as the Secretary's liaison to the Homeland Security Council and the Department of Homeland Security. He also supervised policy development for Project BioShield and other countermeasure research and development programs.

From 2001-2003, he was the HHS Deputy General Counsel and provided legal advice and counsel to the Secretary on public health preparedness matters. Prior to joining HHS, Simonson served as corporate secretary and counsel for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK).

From 1995-1999, Simonson was Legal Counsel to Wisconsin Governor Tommy G. Thompson. In the Governor's Office, Simonson also directed policy development for crime and corrections and coordinated the state's public safety agencies.
http://www.hhs.gov/about/bios/asphep.html
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There is also some very interesting information about Simonson at The Transparent Grid.

Congressman Henry Waxman has recently pointed to Simonson as an example where Bush has “repeatedly appointed inexperienced individuals with political connections to important government posts, including positions with key responsibilities for public health and safety.”

...

Last spring, Simonson came under fire from several Republican senators as well. Idaho Senator Larry Craig, during a Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing in April questioned the acquisition process for influenza vaccine:....

more.....

http://www.transparentgrid.com/wordpress/index.php/archives/2005/10/05/1174/
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So, there you have it. I can't say I'm surprised, but I'm POed about it. I expect individuals in postions of importance to hold relevant qualifications for the postions they are nominated for.

I don't know what to think about this avian flu threat - is it legit or just more scare-mongering? In light of this information about Simonson, I hope to hell this is scare-mongering.

[mike_c]

1. kicked and recommended....

This is a very important piece of information.

[Joanne98]

2. A flu expert with no medical background. Isn't that something.....

It would be funny if it wasn't true... I hope Jon Stewart does this..

[SillyGoose]

3. Shameless kick

this is important stuff.

:kick:

[MadisonProgressive]

4. From Horses to Railroads

I'd say he's eminently qualified!