BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Ada County Commissioners on Tuesday appointed Dr. Ryan Cole to the Central District Board of Health.

In a 2-1 vote, the Garden City pathologist received support from commissioners Ryan Davidson and chairman of the board Rod Beck.

"I would go to Dr. Cole if I had a medical issue and I trust him thoroughly," Beck said.

Cole is openly opposed to vaccines and masks.

"What I always invite is a conversation, I have certainly seen criticism in the media, I understand that, when you become a public figure, you can expect that," Cole told CBS2. "What I always invite is sitting down at a table face to face and converse. No idea is a bad idea."

Kendra Kenyon, a Democrat, voted against the appointment.

"I am adamantly opposed to appointing Dr. Cole to this position," Kenyon said. "I think it's a sad day when this body would go against our medical community...numerous doctors have weighed in that Dr. Sky Blue, the infectious disease expert, should be the No. 1 choice. This is a five-year commitment. It's not just about Covid. It's about infections diseases. Community health.

"Overall, the fact that we have an expert candidate who's willing to volunteer for this position and we're willing to overlook that in light of the fact that the entire medical community is behind this candidate is just to me is a sad and disappointing day."

Cole will need to be confirmed by the majority of other county commissioners in Boise, Elmore and Valley counties. The next Central District Board of Health meeting is Friday at 8:30 a.m. where Cole could be confirmed.

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