Why are you running for this office and what 3 major goals do you want to be measured by if you are elected?
The citizens of our county deserve representation that will show respect that we are using their hard-earned money. It is my desire to serve on the Montgomery County Hospital District Board (MCHD) in order to manage the funds given to us in a conservative way. The three major goals that I want to be measured include:
1. Make every effort to keep the tax rate for Montgomery County taxpayers at the current level or a reduced level where possible. No new taxes unless explicitly unavoidable.
2. Develop or improve communication between MCHD board, taxpayers and employees
3. Review the MCHD budget for any cost savings and ensure all spending is necessary and appropriate.
Do you have any experience with EMS or medicine?
I do not have experience with EMS or medicine. However, I was a supervisor, manager and senior manager at multiple corporations and assigned as a first responder. I was trained annually in first aid and CPR for over thirty years. Additionally, I have many family members and close friends who are nurses and nurse practitioners who have shared their experience with me over the years.
Should Disrtict employees take home District vehicles and if so for what purpose?
I do not believe MCHD employees should be taking home MCHD vehicles. It may open the MCHD to higher insurance costs and potential lawsuits.
Should the Medical Director answer to the Board?
Yes. The board members responsibility is to provide oversight of all aspects of the MCHD. Therefore, the Medical Director should answer to the MCHD Board. All elected persons are accountable to the voters, and in turn, the Medical Director should be accountable to the elected Board members. The citizens of the county should feel that the MCHD is working in the best interests of everyone and this would require that the Medical Director is reporting to the MCHD Board.
Is it the responsibility of the Board to monitor the spending of the District and verify expenses?
Without a doubt the board members are responsible for monitoring the spending of the MCHD and verifying expenses paid.
Should Board members have complete access to all areas of the District? Why or why not?
Yes. Board members would not be able to effectively perform their duties and responsibilities of oversight unless they have access to all areas of the district
Should Health Care Assistance Patients be required to have drug testing in order to receive assistance?
Drug testing of health care assistance patients should be required and permitted but it should not interfere with critical care activities. It should be done as soon as safe and practical to do so.
Do you believe Board members should be allowed to ride along with EMS crews and spend time with Alarm and other departments?
Yes, MCHD Board members would have a better understanding of the organization if allowed to ride along with EMS crews and spend time with affiliated departments. It would very likely enable us to develop better MCHD policies. The experience would be invaluable for the existing and new MCHD Board members.
The Board is to set Policy, should it have any say in procedures?
Policies are general in nature and used to establish rules and guidelines. The provide guiding principles. However, procedures are usually step by step instructions and should be created by operational experts. The MCHD board should retain the right to review the procedures and offer suggestions, but not create them.