Pasadena health director resigns, takes job in Georgia

Folks around Pasadena don't really want their director of public health bashing gays, Catholics, Muslims, evolution and popular culture from the pulpit. But in the state of Georgia? No problem! The Star-News says that Dr. Eric Walsh submitted his resignation to the city on Wednesday. He had been on leave since You Tube videos surfaced of his scapegoating sermons at a Seventh Day Adventist Church in Pasadena, leading Pasadena City College to wish they had not invited him to give the school's commencement speech. From the Star-News:

“We appreciate Dr. Walsh’s service to the City of Pasadena and wish him continued success,” City Manager Michael Beck said in a statement. “The city will now begin a nationwide search for a new director of the Public Health Department.”

Walsh has not responded to several requests for comment. He issued a statement to city employees announcing his resignation and apologizing if he had hurt anyone. The statement was read to the Public Health Department staff Wednesday, according to city officials.

“I want to apologize for any hurt or disruption that these past few weeks have caused. I am more than confident in each member of our teams’ ability to continue the progress and success,” Walsh said. “I am sure the department will only grow stronger, and more stable while continuing to provide quality services. My time with the department has been a highlight of my career.”....

Georgia Department of Public Health officials confirmed Tuesday that Walsh has been hired to lead a six-county health department in the north part of the state, pending a thorough background check.

Mayor Bill Bogaard declined to comment on Walsh’s resignation other than to say he wishes him “well in future endeavors.”

“I’m still considering the experience that we’ve been through and want to respect the ... nature of the situation that we’ve been in,” Bogaard said.