Amid criticism, Madison County’s $95k-per-year ‘coronavirus czar’ deemed no longer needed
A specially-appointed Madison County administrator, who was deemed “unqualified” by county Democrats, says his work assisting with coronavirus-related issues will be over in the coming days.
Steve Adler, who was hired with the endorsement of County Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler as a so-called “coronavirus czar,” said his services will no longer be needed by the end of April because the situation in Madison County is “improving quickly.”
He is still being paid at a rate that would net an annual salary of $95,000. As of the most recent payroll, Adler had been compensated $6,999 since starting the job mid-March.
“I anticipate my responsibilities ending at the end of April,” Adler said. “It’s subject to review and the chairman reviews it on a day-by-day basis.”
In Madison County as of Sunday, 306 people had been diagnosed with COVID-19, 17 had died from the virus, 73 were hospitalized and 82 had recovered from the illness.
Adler’s job as a temporary special administrator has been questioned by county Democrats, who said he lacked and qualifications in the medical field. They also took exception to the position’s annual salary.
Issues with Adler’s hiring were first raised at a county board meeting in March, when County Board Member Mike Parkinson, D-Granite City, said he didn’t believe Adler has the ability or experience to handle the position.
“In this unprecedented public health crisis where the lives of our most vulnerable citizens hang in the balance, I was appalled to find out that former MESD director Steve Adler was put in charge of protecting our community despite having no medical or public health experience,” Parkinson said in a statement, further alleging that Adler had a history of “cutting corners” and “putting people at risk.”
State democratic officials added their voices to the criticisms. State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, questioned what Steve Adler does as the “so-called coronavirus czar” to earn that salary, as did state Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton.
“Steve Adler’s position as a coronavirus czar pays $95,000 a year and he has no health care experience,” Bristow said. “People are like, ‘What are you doing? How can I get a line to that job?’”
Downplaying the title ‘coronavirus czar’
Adler played down the “coronavirus czar” title, which he said has only been used sarcastically by Democrats. He said the only person uniquely tasked with the handling of COVID-19 crisis in Madison County is the county health department director.
“The actual person in charge of the COVID-19 response is Tony Corona and she’s imminently qualified to do that,” he said.
Adler said his work as a special administrator was been focused beyond healthcare. He said, for example, he’s worked with area food pantries on finding resources to keep their shelves stocked, worked on a county-wide emergency housing plan, and assisted local businesses and citizens with Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act benefits.
“I was brought in to take on whatever problems arise,” he said. “My job is to take on these unforeseen problems that are not the ones you expected.”
As for his qualifications, Adler said they are “extensive.” He pointed specifically to his three years as executive director of the Metro East Sanitary District, 30 years as an administrator with the Alton Mental Health Center and 12 years on the county board.
Adler said he could return if Prenzler deemed him necessary, but said at the time the county wasn’t in need of additional help.
“As things stand now most of the repercussions seem like they are going to be on the financial side,” he said. “Right now the capacity we have in the hospital and the community are doing pretty well.”
The county board recently voted to fire two members of Prenzler’s administration after affidavits showed evidence the two may have improperly accessed county emails to help future campaigns. That investigation had been dropped, but to the released documents from county Democrats prompted Prenzler to announce he’d initiate an independent investigation. The board moved to dismiss the two the day after that announcement.
Reporter Kelsey Landis contributed to this story.
This story was originally published April 27, 2020 at 3:35 PM.