Why are you interested in serving on the board?
My goal 20 years ago was to keep health care viable in Paynesville. It's even more important today.

As PAHCS awaits the due diligence study about a possible alignment with CentraCare, what pros and cons do you see in a merger?
We have been working with CentraCare for 20+ years with specialty services. Doing an alignment, integration, or merger will make both systems stronger in the future. CentraCare has been voted the best place to work in Minnesota by Twin City Business Journal 2009-2011. In 2012, they finished third.

What pros and cons do you see in remaining an independent health care system?
The Affordable Care Act will cut reimbursement to critical-access hospitals. We will have to be more efficient, do more, and get paid less. I went to the Minnesota Hospital Association Trustee Conference this summer and heard Todd Linden speak on health reform. We will never get paid any more than we are getting today! Total cuts to rural facilities over 10 years could be $62.2 billion. Hospitals in the future will need $1 billion in revenue to be able to survive.

Under what scenarios would you support PAHCS using it taxing authority?
No matter where your doctor is or where you go to get your health care, in emergency situations we need EMTs and a great ambulance service to provide medical treatment and transportation.

How important is long- term care to PAHCS's mission of "Caring for Life"?
The Koronis Manor is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents who can no longer live independently.