In the past few editions of The Jal Record, we have been featuring questions and answers from the candidates currently running for office in our local elections this November. Each candidate will be asked the same questions. It is our hope that all candidates will want to share their heart and mind with the voters here. Thus far, almost all the candidates have agreed to be interviewed by us, We hope the rest of the candidates will be willing to share with our readers.~ Editor
Stephen Aldridge Hospital Board
Q: What are some of the goals that you’d like to see the hospital board accomplish in the coming years?
A: We’ve got the wellness center standing. We’ve got dental and pharmacy and chiropractic and mental health or behavioral health, the Caring Hearts Program. Just to be able to build those out to better serve the community. Just to maintain and build out the services we have to the best of our ability at the highest quality that we can offer citizens here. We are financially healthy, and that’s why we are going to ask the community to continue the mill levy, but we’re going to drop it from 3 to 2. Still, without that mill levy, we wouldn’t be healthy forever. We are going to drop it. We’ve been at 3 for many, many years. It will be on the ballot this year.
Q: Are there any things that you would like to see improved or changed with the clinic.
A: I don’t know how much further out we can push things. We’ve got ultrasound available. We are going to have speech pathologists, pulmonary or respiratory therapist. Little things like that we can use, that our providers can use for diagnostics, and we’ll use our providers’ guidance—what can we provide to better serve here?
Q: As you see it, what is the job or responsibility of the hospital board?
A: Provide the best medical care for this community that we can for as long as can at the highest level we can.
Q: What are some of the accomplishments that you are happy to have been a part of while serving on the hospital board?
A: To continue to add to our services to this community. I think we’ve done a good job of that and continue to look forward to do that. A good pharmacy here. A state-of-the-art dental clinic with providers and staff.
Rebecca D. Jamison Hospital Board
Q: Are there any things you would like to see changed or improved by the hospital board?
A: Better visibility and community involvement into the many opportunities and challenges the hospital district is navigating to better support the community’s growing health needs.
Q: In your view, what is the job/responsibility of a Jal Hospital Board member?
A: Staying informed and involved in community healthcare and organization needs, financial oversight and involvement in strategic direction.
Q: What do you think should be the top three priorities and/or goals for the hospital district over the next few years?
A: Adopting a robust long-term sustainable strategic plan that supports the community’s growing needs.
Q: What strengths do you bring to the hospital board?
A: Nine years of experience with financial responsibility, involvement with recruiting, hiring and oversight of personnel on both small and large teams in challenging and growing environments.
Q: What are some accomplishments you are proud of in your time so far on the hospital board?
A: I’ve had an opportunity to gain insights into the growing challenges the team is navigating to bring quality care to the community. I look forward to better understanding the challenges and the many opportunities to come.