An Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission member has resigned in protest of the Ada County Commission’s controversial appointment of Dr. Ryan Cole to the local health board.

The Ada County Commission voted Aug. 17 by a 2-1 vote to appoint Cole, a pathologist who owns a medical testing laboratory, to the Central District Health board.

The Idaho Statesman reports, that decision has come under fire because of Cole’s beliefs regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

Two days later, Paul Hilding, a retired lawyer serving on the volunteer commission, said he could no longer be associated with a county government whose leadership could make such a decision.

In recent months, Cole has claimed that the vaccine has killed thousands and also promoted alternative treatments to COVID-19, including ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine.

The Food and Drug Administration has said people should avoid using either medication to treat COVID-19.