[Goose]

From day one, I have not liked the power wielded by these unelected officials. Without question, the Health directors should have a significant say.  But the Board of Supes should be the ones issuing orders.  They have to answer their constituents.

Yes they do. And that is the problem. What the constituents want may be (often is) exactly the wrong thing. Giving the power to the County Health Officer gives the Board of Supervisors political cover. They can say "We didn't do it. It was the Health Department" and not be fibbing. It also protects to some degree against Supervisors being idiots. They may disagree with the Health Officer, but if they want to override him they have to fire him. That is a big deal and would bring scrutiny. It will not be done lightly.
This system has been around since the days that epidemics were common. It works much better than relying on the politicians to do the right thing. Historically, when it comes to disease, they often won't.

[Goose]

From day one, I have not liked the power wielded by these unelected officials. Without question, the Health directors should have a significant say.  But the Board of Supes should be the ones issuing orders.  They have to answer their constituents.

Yes they do. And that is the problem. What the constituents want may be (often is) exactly the wrong thing. Giving the power to the County Health Officer gives the Board of Supervisors political cover. They can say "We didn't do it. It was the Health Department" and not be fibbing. It also protects to some degree against Supervisors being idiots. They may disagree with the Health Officer, but if they want to override him they have to fire him. That is a big deal and would bring scrutiny. It will not be done lightly.
This system has been around since the days that epidemics were common. It works much better than relying on the politicians to do the right thing. Historically, when it comes to disease, they often won't.