Beth Bennett-Allen, David Ordonez, Karen Ruth, and incumbent Corinne Stromstad are running for the two four-year seats. Current board president Nancy Wilson will retire at the end of this year.
Incumbent Clif Anderson and challenger Judi Gonzales are vying to complete the two remaining years in the seat vacated by Mary Krissie Branzei when she resigned from the board last spring. Anderson was appointed to fill in for Branzei until this November’s election.
The Redwood Times asked each candidate to answer four questions, and these are their responses.
Hospital board candidates questions
Clif Anderson
What are your qualifications for the board?
Having lived in Southern Humboldt most of life, I have both a personal and civic interest in the well-being of the healthcare district. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Health Education, I completed the Masters in Governance program, and I have served on various county-wide boards. In addition, my 23 years as business manager and superintendent of the Southern Humboldt Unified School District gave me considerable experience in policy development, human resources, finance, employee/employer relations, and most significantly, the ability to work with diverse viewpoints.
Do you believe that the current strategic plan addresses SHCHD’s most important issues? Why or why not? What would you change?
The key to a successful strategic plan is that the process by which it is developed is an inclusive one and that it allows for adjustments as needed. The SHCHD’s plan allowed for board, staff, and community involvement in all aspects of the plan. Because of this broad-based participation both in identifying the district’s strengths and weaknesses and in developing measurable goals for evaluation of progress, I think the current plan is a solid one. I also support the idea that it needs to be continuously reviewed and revised as the needs of the district change and grow.
If SHCHD received a no-stings grant for $1 million, how do you think it should be spent?
Grant monies of a one-time nature are spent most appropriately on one-time expenditures. To that end, I would ask each department to develop an equipment priority list with the focus on improving the ability to provide high quality healthcare. From there, I would hope we could make our choices. In addition, I would want to set aside some monies for staff development and continuing education.
What ONE thing would you most like to accomplish during your term on the SHCHD board?
I would like to make significant improvement in those areas that improve the relationship between the SHCHD and the community we serve. I would address both employee job satisfaction and client confidence. I believe these are directly related. I think that if the SHCHD continues to address the concerns expressed in the recent surveys, we will continue to improve the healthcare provided as well as the perception of that care.
Beth Bennett-Allen
What are your qualifications for the board?
I believe as a business person and a long time resident, I have a lot to bring to the table and I have the hospital and clinic’s best interests at heart.
Do you believe that the current strategic plan addresses SHCHD’s most important issues? Why or why not? What would you change?
I feel it is important to address fiduciary responsibility, transparency, communication, and integrity. Also, to address the many issues realistically. Furthermore I would like to improve confidence in the staff and administration, thus improving confidence with the community.
If SHCHD received a no-strings grant for one million dollars how do you think it should be spent?
First off that is a lovely idea, but it is hypothetical. However, I would like to see antiquated equipment replaced and reduce $900,000 debt that the SHCHD currently carries.
What ONE thing would you most like to accomplish during your term on the SHCHD board?
I would very much like to be part of facilitating healing with our community.
Judi Gonzales
What are your qualifications for the board?
As a small, successful business owner of 22 years my experience gives me the financial and strategic planning tools necessary to achieve stability and long-term goals for the district. I have attended over 60 board meetings and several hospital district workshops which have increased my understanding of the operations of the district and how the board functions. I am also a former part-time employee who has seen the functions of the district from the bottom on up.
Do you believe that the current strategic plan addresses SHCHD’s most important issues? Why or why not? What would you change?
In some ways the current strategic plan addresses the issues at the district. But the number one priority should be to focus on getting the community to trust the district as they once did before 2010. Employee turnover at the district is higher than I’ve seen in the last 15 years. There were employees at the district whom worked there anywhere from 10 to 30 years and this trend has changed dramatically. The district also needs to focus on replacing old radiology equipment that is over 40 years old.
If SHCHD received a no-strings grant for $1 million, how do you think it should be spent?
This question is hard for me to answer as it is truly unrealistic. But, for the most part if this were a reality question I would have to suggest since this hospital district is owned by our community that this decision should be made by our community.
What ONE thing would you most like to accomplish during your term on the SHCHD board?
The one thing I would like to accomplish is to see the community and hospital district regain trust in each other. Our community needs to know that this is their hospital district and that quality patient care, transparency and compassion is the district’s goal.
Dave Ordonez
What are your qualifications for the board?
Having worked with people from diverse backgrounds in my 32 years as an EMT-1 and firefighter, I have become well equipped to make critical decisions and build teamwork. Prior to the fire service I owned a successful insurance agency; which prepared me for interpreting the laws, regulations, and reports that are part of this office.
Do you believe that the current strategic plan addresses SHCHD’s most important issues? Why or why not? What would you change?
I think the district is getting a very good handle on the public’s wishes through the public meeting and careful review of the input from that meeting; the strategic plan reflects that. So yes, I believe the plan does address the district’s most important issues. I would place patient and employee satisfaction first on the list.
If SHCHD received a no-strings grant for $1 million, how do you think it should be spent?
I love this question because it requires me to assess my priorities. When I really think about it I believe a truly motivated employee should be highly valued. I also believe that patient care is everything. So I would do something that has a long-term benefit to employee and patient satisfaction.
Perhaps something that would reduce wait times and make the waiting room more comfortable for patients, and/or update infrastructure.
As for the employees, I would ask them for ideas.
What ONE thing would you most like to accomplish during your term on the SHCHD board?
To tell you the truth, at this time I do not have enough information to select ONE thing I would like to accomplish. Obviously, I would like to see top-notch medical care, community support, and confidence in our district.
Hospital board candidates questions
Karen Ruth
What are your qualifications for the board?
For the past two years I have been closely following the board actions and decisions along with the community response to the healthcare district. I have 25 years of profitable business ownership that includes an extremely satisfied customer base, a stable workforce and strong financial capabilities. My scientific background will give me the ability to understand the technical aspects of healthcare and its challenges.
Do you believe that the current strategic plan addresses SHCHD’s most important issues? Why or why not? What would you change?
The current strategic plan addresses many of SHCHD’s most important issues. One of my major concerns is employee stability. Hiring and training of staff is much more expensive than retaining the competent employees that you have. Patients have more confidence in their care when they see familiar faces when they return for appointments.
If SHCHD received a no-strings grant for $1 million, how do you think it should be spent?
A no-strings grant for $1 million dollars? It is a nice fantasy but highly unlikely. I would want to hold informational meetings for the public to educate them on what the board thinks are the highest priorities for spending, then take the communities highest priorities and combine them.
What ONE thing would you most like to accomplish during your term on the SHCHD board?
The one thing I would most like to accomplish is the retention of qualified, local employees. This creates an atmosphere that can improve patient care and improve the confidence of the community in the healthcare district, which helps the financial bottom line. I understand that not all of our staff can live in Southern Humboldt but it would be nice to have as many local employees as possible.
Corinne Stromstad
What are your qualifications for the board?
I have had nearly 38 successful years in private business, operating Milt’s Saw Shop with my husband Glen. Additionally, I have 30 years of banking experience, achieving the position of vice-president, manager of a local financial institution.
During my years on the Healthcare District board I have participated in the finance committee, and have developed a strong understanding of healthcare finance. I have focused on improving the viability of our Jerold Phelps Community Hospital and the Southern Humboldt Community Clinic during my time on the SHCHD board, and have dedicated myself to working hard for the community I am proud to represent.
Do you believe that the current strategic plan addresses SHCHD’s most important issues? Why or why not? What would you change?
The current strategic plan, or as we refer to them, highest level strategies, consists of these four elements:
1. Improve community confidence and awareness.
2. Develop a workplace that promotes patient and employee satisfaction.
3. Build and occupy a new facility by 2025.
4. Improve utilization of technology.
The district staff has been focused on these goals, regularly updating the board on their progress. I do believe in these strategies, and feel that they are appropriate and achievable by our outstanding staff and with a continued cohesive team on the governing board.
We are currently reviewing and revising the strategic plan for the district, seeking valuable staff and community input. How the process may change these elements is not yet clear. I can report that the welcome addition of Dr. Matuszkiewicz, increased employee ownership of their importance to the success of the hospital and clinic, the impending arrival of telemedicine services, improvements to many parts of our technology infrastructure, and the completion of a seismic retrofit to our current facility are just a few of the recent improvements realized.
These achievements will enable us to continue providing optimal patient care, operational efficiency and financial stability for the community we serve.
If SHCHD received a no-strings grant for $1 million, how do you think it should be spent?
Frankly, the survival of the Healthcare District is very much tied to the replacement of your existing hospital and outpatient facilities by 2030. I think that funding, if it were to fall out of the sky as you suggest, would reasonably be kept as an investment toward the future construction of a new community hospital. People in Southern Humboldt continue to be supportive of us, and for that we are grateful.
But, in order to continue to have the vital services that we currently offer here at home, we will need a significant commitment and investment by our entire community. Through hard work, dedication and the focus of every member of the Healthcare District staff, we’re in the best financial position the district has enjoyed in decades. Still, a million dollars toward the goal of a new facility would be a welcome first step.
What ONE thing would you most like to accomplish during your term on the SHCHD board?
Financial stability of the Healthcare District is the single most important accomplishment we can achieve. Without it we would not be able to continue to serve the people of our community when they most need our help, or employ our incredibly dedicated and talented staff. The quality of life for our community would be severely diminished if its community hospital were made to close. I ask you to help me continue to serve in this important and rewarding position.
photo captions:
1. Clif Anderson
2. Beth Bennett-Allen
3. Judi Gonzales
4. David Ordonez
5. Karen Ruth
6. Corinne Stromstad
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