Pa. official who battled over egg sandwich resigns

Pennsylvania Health Secretary Eli Avila, who became known in Harrisburg for his dispute with a diner owner over the freshness of his egg sandwich, has resigned his position to pursue "other interests."

Gov. Corbett made the announcement through a news release today which gave only one other reason for Avila's departure: that he wanted to spend more time with his family who live in New York.

Avila became the butt of water cooler jokes and a subject of newspaper headlines after he arrived in Harrisburg and almost immediately got into a kerfuffle with a Richard Hanna, owner of Roxy's Cafe, about the quality of his breakfast sandwich.

After arguing with the restaurant owner, Avila left the diner reportedly saying: "Do you know who I am! I am the Secretary of Health!"

Avila was also criticized for spending taxpayer money to buy special jackets for himself and several other health officials.

Hanna has filed a defamation suit against Avila and the state because after the fight Avila attempted to block Hanna from getting a lucrative state contract to run the State Capitol cafeteria.

Avila was not immediately available for comment.