Acceptance Speech
John J. "Jack" Hickey
Director, Sequoia Healthcare District Board
I thank the voters who have intrusted me to represent them on the Sequoia Healthcare District Board of Directors. Those who voted for the "status quo" out of a misplaced fear that the Libertarian slate of candidates would have closed Sequoia Hospital may rest assured that that was never our intention.
As a Member of this Board, with a concurrent seat on the affiliated Sequoia Health Services Board, I will work to ensure the viability of a Sequoia Hospital unencumbered by micromanagement.
I will ascertain the existing committments of the District accruing from the 1996 voter approved sale of Sequoia Hospital (Measure H). I will seek to initiate the sale and transfer of contiguous landed assets and improvements, essential to the viability of Catholic Healthcare West (CHW) in their operation of the hospital, which they sought in their original quest.
I am mindful of the praise afforded CHW by Britschgi, Uccelli, et al, proponents of Measure H in 1996. They said "CHW provides free healthcare for poor and uninsured patients, contributing $129 million in uncompensated community benefits last year. In 1995, CHW gave $57 million in grants and gifts to the communities where its facilities are located. CHW reinvests all profits from its hospitals back to the community, not to corporate investors."
My tenure on these Boards will be accompanied by accessibility and openness. I have already posted public documents, related to the Sequoia Healthcare District, on my website http://users.cwnet.com/jackhick. I will continue my postings in a timely fashion, as a supplement to the limited information posted on the District website. My phone number, 368-5722, has been the same for 37 years. It is listed under Jack Hickey in your phone book. Please, visit my website and call me with your concerns and ideas regarding Sequoia Hospital. Better yet, send an e-mail to jackhick@cwnet.com.
Regarding philanthropic activities, the Grand Jury found that the District was "...using its tax revenues to make grants to other government and non-profit agencies. This is a function of the District that was never presented to the voters for their approval under 1996 Measure H." I advocate an end to taxpayer asset expenditures for such activities. And, where legally possible and economically feasable, I advocate termination of current contracts involving such activities.
Regarding taxation, the Grand Jury found "...that District taxpayers should be made aware that the 1946 measure authorizing the tax assessment was for the construction, maintenance, and operation of a hospital, but that the District no longer owns, maintains, or operates a hospital." Absent such voter authorization, I advocate the return of taxes collected under false pretext. I would urge taxpayers to apply those rebates to the Sequoia Hospital Foundation where appropriate.
Last but not least, while the District remains in existence, I will use my position as a forum to promote de-regulation of the healthcare industry. Paperwork reduction is a major objective.