‘I am not intimidated’: At hearing, S.C. health nominee tells of threats

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - The man tapped to lead South Carolina’s public health agency says he won’t back down – after facing threats, harassment and even vandalism.

Dr. Edward Simmer appeared Thursday before state senators – to explain why he wants the job for which Gov. Henry McMaster has nominated him – and to face their questions.

Simmer appeared before the Senate Medical Affairs Committee for his confirmation hearing to become the permanent director of the new Department of Public Health.

He led the Department of Health and Environmental Control before it was split into two agencies.

So now Simmer needs confirmation again to head the newly separate agency.

Simmer spoke about what he accomplished as the head of the former Department of Health and Environmental Control and where he wants this new agency to go – as well as responded to the claims that have been levied against him.

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“Enemy of medical freedom, health czar, not a real doctor, evil: These are just a few examples of what has been said about me, and nothing could be further from the truth,” Simmer said.

Simmer has taken heat for shutdowns in South Carolina during the COVID-19 pandemic – and for the state health department’s promotion of the vaccine.

He reminded senators Thursday that he became the head of DHEC in early 2021 – when he said the state had already reopened.

And he says he has never promoted COVID vaccine mandates.

“I have always recommended that individuals talk with their medical provider about the vaccine and any medical treatment,” he said.

The questions Simmer faced from senators Thursday were all related to COVID.

“What evidence do you have to promote the idea that the vaccine is safe and effective?” said Sen. Tom Corbin, R-Greenville.

Sen. Josh Kimbrell, R-Spartanburg, said: “Does that give you some consternation in of how emergency powers may need to be readdressed over time?”

Simmer also disclosed to senators that during this nomination process that he’s faced threats and that his car was vandalized with what he described as an item that was a crude attempt to look like a bomb.

“Let me also be very clear: I am not intimidated. I am not scared,” he said.

But Simmer itted to reporters afterward that this process hasn’t been easy.

“I truly believe in our mission. I believe in the great work that we do. I have a wonderful team to work with. And every day I go to work, I can possibly impact the lives of 5 million people,” he said.

Several other state agency heads showed up Thursday to Simmer – and Gov. Henry McMaster has adamantly stood by his nominee.

“He is enormously qualified and all these folks that are criticizing him have probably not worked with him as I have,” McMaster said.

Time ran out during Thursday’s hearing before several senators had a chance to pose their questions to Simmer.

So the committee plans to meet again to finish that questioning – and did not hold a vote on his nomination Thursday.

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