State lawmaker still critical of Acton; ‘I say NOT good enough!’

COLUMBUS — When Dr. Amy Acton stepped down from her post as State Health Director Thursday, bipartisan support flooded the Statehouse voicing praise for her work. Democratic leaders and Gov. Mike DeWine thanked Acton for her efforts through the state’s COVID-19 crisis.

>> Dr. Amy Acton steps down as Ohio Department of Health director; She’ll be adviser to DeWine

Critics, though, who have targeted Acton for shutting down the state’s economy in mid-March were not so kind.

Chief among them was Rep. Nino Vitale, R- Urbana. On his Facebook page, Vitale said “I am hearing she is still on the tax payer dime but Actin’ Acton has resigned as Health Director. I say NOT good enough! 1 down, 2 to go of the Terrible Tyrannical Trio.” The posting includes a photo of Gov. Mike DeWine at a press briefing with Acton listening behind the governor. The trio Vitale has often referred to includes Acton, Gov. DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted.

Vitale has often accused the DeWine administration of over-stepping its legal authority and mismanaging the state’s response to the pandemic. In another posting on Facebook. Vitale said “As I predicted Wednesday, even with the reopening and protesting, cases are not up.”

A graphic on Vitale’s page said Acton’s new salary would be $185,000 a year. On Friday a spokesperson for the State Health Department said her annual salary as director was approximately $236,000 and that her new salary as Chief Medical Advisor to Gov. DeWine has not been determined yet.

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