SAN ANTONIO – City officials on Friday were still not explaining why they fired Metro Health Director Dr. Thomas Schlenker.
Schlenker said he got a termination notice Wednesday.
"It came as a shock, a surprise," he said. "There was no indication that that was coming, and I'm very sad."
Schlenker said he would not have chosen to leave the health department at this point with successes like Fitness in the Park, Siclovia and seeing a decline in obesity and diabetes rates.
"I feel like we have accomplished so much in the past four years, but there's an awful lot left to do," Schlenker said. "And it was my hope that I would have a few more years to do that."
San Antonio city officials would only say Schlenker's termination is a personnel matter.
However, Schlenker thinks the real reason he was fired is his stance on issues of public health, specifically, the connection between soda and obesity.
He said an editorial titled "Soda Wars" upset the city manager.
"I didn't write the editorial, but I was quoted in it," said Schlenker. "Because it interfered with her at that time, soliciting with Coca-Cola for a big cash donation. She was outraged that I would do that. I didn't do it intentionally, but really I feel that that is what I'm supposed to do as the health authority."
Despite that claim, the city said Friday night, "This is not about sugary drinks, it's a personnel matter and Dr. Schlenker no longer works for the city."
Dr. Vincent Nathan is the interim health director and the city said it will launch a national search for a permanent replacement this fall.
Meanwhile, Schlenker said he hopes to stay in San Antonio to continue to make strides in public health, but in a different capacity.