Why are you interested in serving on the board?
I am interested to serve the public in another capacity. Our local hospital is too much of an asset to the greater community to not be fully utilized. With major changes on the very-near horizon, related to government mandates, the hospital needs willing board members to lead.

As PAHCS awaits the due diligence study about a possible alignment with CentraCare, what pros and cons do you see in a merger?
If an alignment with CentraCare will streamline health care and make it better for all, it may be the right thing, but I don't see it as the only option insofar as a merger. I want to be certain that it's the right fit for the communities PAHCS serves.

What pros and cons do you see in remaining an independent health care system?
To this question, the answer is the bottom line. Can the hospital stay open and viable as a "stand alone"? Probably not, in the long term.

Under what scenarios would you support PAHCS using it taxing authority?
Using its taxing authority is a very slippery slope to be on, as I see it. Once started, it never quits. The health care system has to be self-supporting, or it will fail to be in existence.

How important is long- term care to PAHCS's mission of "Caring for Life"?
I feel as though it should be very important. With an aging population, there is certainly a need for care at differing levels.

Why are you the best qualified candidate to serve on the hospital board?
The question is best qualified candidate, as I see it. Candidate is the key word. To me there are others that are more or better qualified than I for the position. But as a candidate, I offer a new and fresh common sense approach to leadership. It is my feeling that the board sets the course for the ship, but the captain sails the ship. Whether real or believed, I have no bias to get in the way of leadership, and I am willing to serve and do humbly ask for your support.