Lake Wenatchee Info does not endorse candidates we provide for one post per candidate per election cycle when requested. Duane submitted the following.
My family has been part of the upper valley for seven generations, and we are keenly aware of the value and importance of Cascade Medical in our community. Thus, after being encouraged by patients, staff, former CMC commissioners and administrators, and community members, I agreed to run for Hospital Commissioner.
Tom Baranouskas’ recent letter here has attracted the concerned attention of upper valley residents. In recent years, there has been growing concern with not only some of CMC’s patient care, but also transparency and integrity. We certainly have amazing healthcare providers at CMC. That has not been in question at all. The question is, why has the board developed a pattern of concealing important things from the public? Important facts have often been hidden: Nine directors of nursing in ten years seems to indicate something operationally not running smoothly. Huge legal costs for a small hospital. Operational margin losses into the millions. Patients unable to access care and being put on hold for an hour. Prescriptions not getting filled. Medical bill statements grossly incorrect being then turned over to collections does not demonstrate a computer system running well. Isn’t the best method for improving problems to actually address matters and create helpful accountability structure, rather than hiding them? Unfortunately, even the board has lacked accountability: Incumbents have been so busy in politics and social agendas, their campaign statements don’t even address so many of the concerns that CMC’s patients and staff have repeatedly given to leadership.
As Mr. Baranouskas pointed out, I have been active in representing people from all walks of life in our community, and willing to wade into even uncomfortable places in order to help work through very real challenges our communities face. With Tom’s recent public post, I regretfully have to address a concern of transparency and integrity from members of the board. Facts matter: Both Tom and Bruce Williams have known that Gustavo Montoya had a tragic severe stroke four weeks ago. This pertinent fact has been conveniently missing from anything said in public. It’s as if the very difficult life-changing impact on Gustavo and his family doesn’t matter to them. In talking with close friends of Gustavo’s family, all have said this will be a very long recovery. When I first heard of the stroke, I waited two weeks to even put out my campaign signs in respect of Gustavo. Instead, Mr. Williams used the opportunity to put his and Gustavo’s signs everywhere. While this may be about politics for some current board members, my concern is about people. Why wouldn’t the board be more concerned about Gustavo taking the time to heal over the next years in Harborview, and other hospitals, than expecting him to run a hospital? There could be a reason: The board members know that if the public is unaware and elects Gustavo anyway—even if he is unable to serve—THEY AGAIN get to appoint a commissioner instead of the electorate. I have asked CMC, Commissioners and even his campaign for confirmation on Gustavo’s willingness and ability to serve, and they have refused to answer or don’t respond. After four weeks, something smells rather fishy.
Tom further claimed that because my wife has worked at CMC for 8 years that I am disqualified from running. That is factually incorrect. In fact, CMC leadership was informed weeks ago that if I am elected, if CMC feels it is necessary, my wife is willing to leave CMC. She has the same mutual commitment to see the hospital succeed for our community for generations to come. So why would Tom spread this wrong information in order to mislead voters? Why another red herring to distract from the opportunities for improving CMC patient care and employee morale?
There is need for fresh leaders at CMC who understand the meaning of honesty and transparency and integrity, and are more interested in patients than politics. In this election, let’s finally get back to the issues that impact our patients, staff and community, rather than playing political games.
In the spirit of transparency, feel free to call me anytime if you have questions. Thank you.
Duane Goehner
(509) 548-1124