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Denise Hanson Denise Hansen, 29, has worked in health care for seven years, most recently at the former Good Samaritan Care Center in Paynesville and Hilltop Good Samaritan Center in Watkins as the director of social services. She has an undergraduate degree in social work and is currently working on her master's degree in social work. She and her husband, Greg, have a 19-month-old son. Why are you interested in serving on the hospital board? I believe my education, coupled with my work experience, would be beneficial to the hospital board. The masters of social work program at Augsburg College emphasizes the ability to problem solve, advocate for individuals, and develop community programming. I believe Paynesville to have an outstanding health care system, and I would like to play a role in preserving the quality and integrity of services provided to the community. What leadership strengths would you bring to the board? I have worked at nursing facilities both locally and in the Twin Cities and am aware of the issues facing the long-term care industry. I have a special interest in policy and program development. I have served on several local boards, including founding boards for both the Paynesville Area Transit and the ROSE - Living at Home Block Nurse Program. My education along with my work and volunteer experience bring leadership strengths that I feel would benefit the hospital board. With all the technological advances in health care, how can an independent PAHCS afford to have state-of-the-art equipment and modern facilities in the years to come? PAHCS can partner with larger institutions for portable services, which is currently being done with MRI technology. Telemedicine also provides the opportunity to consult over I-TV without requiring the specialist to actually be onsite. PAHCS needs to continue its creativity to ensure state-of-the-art equipment and modern facilities.

Brad Johnson Brad Johnson, 60, has a bachelor of science in mathematics and a master's degree in guidance and counseling. He retired two years ago as marketing manager for an insurance company, where he supervised insurance agents in four states and worked with federal regulations and compliance audits. He and his wife, Sharon, have two grown daughters. Why are you interested in serving on the hospital board? To support the continuation of excellent medical services in the Paynesville area. What leadership strengths would you bring to the board? I feel that my educational background and listening skills would be my greatest contribution. What do you see as major issues facing local health care? Finances. With all the technological advances in health care, how can an independent PAHCS afford to have state-of-the-art equipment and modern facilities in the years to come? In order to attract and retain patients, PAHCS will have to stay abreast of technical advances and maintain modern facilities. A larger patient base would provide income to support the above.

Kay Spooner Kay Spooner, 47, a 1973 graduate of St. Cloud Cathedral High School and 1977 graduate of St. Benedict's College, worked for two years at a long-term care facility while attending college. For the last seven years, she has been the office manager at Mueller Wood Products. She and her husband, Bill, have three boys. Why are you interested in serving on the hospital board? I was approached by Grace Peteler, the current township representative, to run as her replacement. I thought a lot about it, and after attending a hospital board meeting I felt I could offer something to the board. I have learned much about what it takes to be an effective board member by being involved in the Chamber of Commerce and the Paynesville-New London-Spicer (PNLS) Hockey Association. Since announcing that I am a candidate, many people in the community have talked to me about their concerns and opinions of PAHCS. Finally, as a wife and mother, I feel I can be an effective voice for the township. What leadership strengths would you bring to the board? I am currently the secretary/treasurer for the Chamber of Commerce and also serve on the board of directors for the Paynesville-New London-Spicer (PNLS) Hockey Association. As Chamber secretary/treasurer, I oversee the running of the Chamber. I have to know what needs to be done and then see to it that the job gets done. As a dedicated "hockey mom" and board member, I have taken on several duties for the hockey association and have done a great job. I am not afraid to tackle a task...or many tasks at the same time. With all the technological advances in health care, how can an independent PAHCS afford to have state-of-the-art equipment and modern facilities in the years to come? We can't afford not to have state-of-the-art equipment. Without state-of-the-art equipment, you will not have a health care facility people will come to.

GENERAL ELECTION Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
NEW POLLING PLACE for the city of Paynesville. . .at the Paynesville Area Center

Part I of the profiles for hospital board.
Part II of the profiles for hospital board.
Part III of the profiles for hospital board.

(Editor's Note: This is the last in a four-part series of questions and answers with the three candidates for hospital board in Paynesville Township. To see all their answers, go to www.paynesvillearea.com.)