Health district head sanctioned for espresso e-mail

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Espresso stands to hook up to sewer and water service??

SPOKANE, Wash. -- The head of the Spokane Regional Health District has received a vote of no confidence after sending e-mail that a board member felt bordered on insubordination.

Dr. Kim Thorburn had no comment after the 6-1 vote Thursday by the health district's board of directors.

Board members said the vote doesn't mean Thorburn is going to be fired, but is a reminder they want her to take a lighter approach to enforcing health rules at espresso stands and other businesses.

The executive session before the board's public vote was called by board member and Spokane County Commissioner Kate McCaslin after an exchange of e-mail with Thorburn in November.

Health district food safety inspectors this year began requiring espresso stands to hook up to sewer and water service. Owners of some coffee stands complained and asked for waivers of the rule.

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