Outcome of Trios races could change majority of divided board

Oct. 29--Two Kennewick Public Hospital District commissioner seats are up for election, and the outcome could change the majority of the divided board.

Longtime board member Victor V. Johnson faces challenger Don Campbell in the race for Pos. 4.

When they faced off in the August primary, Campbell led with 43 percent, Johnson drew 32 percent and a third candidate trailed with 25 percent and was eliminated.

In a separate race, Mike McWhorter and Cedro Rodriguez are vying for a seat that's opening with the retirement of incumbent Donna Vance.

That race, for Pos. 7, didn't have a primary.

Ballots are due by Nov. 3. Commissioners are paid $114 per day spent at meetings. The term is six years.

Board division

The seven-member board oversees the Trios Health system.

While the system celebrated the opening of a new hospital and a new care center in Southridge in the last year or so, it also experienced a cash crunch that made headlines, prompted layoffs and revealed a division on the board.

A three-member minority advocated bringing in a turnaround firm to help, while the four-member majority -- which included Johnson -- said that wasn't needed.

Instead, some consultants were brought in to work on specific issues.

A rift on the board remains, with the majority seeming to be supportive of the administration and direction and the minority seeming to want change.

Johnson and McWhorter have received support from members of the majority, while Campbell and Rodriguez are backed by the minority.

Despite the division, all four men said they're independent thinkers who make up their own minds.

And they all said they'll cooperate with whoever else ends up alongside them at the board table.

Finances

The public hospital district's financial situation is a top issue in the board races.

McWhorter and Johnson acknowledged the difficult financial times but said the bottom line is improving.

The latest financial report shows net income has been in the black seven of the last eight months and the accounts payable balance -- which is the amount owed for costs from utilities to supplies and service -- has fluctuated but dropped overall since January.

"I think the direction we're going is good. (The leaders) are doing everything they can. The finances are getting better," McWhorter said.

Johnson added that while critics allege poor planning and financial management, "from the standpoint of putting these two major facilities (the Southridge hospital and care center) on line for the community -- it was something we got accomplished. We didn't go broke doing it. And finances are improving."

Campbell and Rodriguez both said they remain concerned.

"What I see is a shell game," Campbell said. "...In the last year-and-a-half, they have used millions of dollars (from the sale of) assets to keep the hospital alive. That continues today."

Rodriguez said that while district reports may paint a brighter picture, "when you look at the financials, it's a problem."

"I see management issues with the district," he said, adding it needs greater transparency in decision making.

He also said the district's financial situation has led to low morale among employees.

Backgrounds

The four men all bring different expertise.

Johnson, 81, the current vice president, worked in nuclear engineering and consulting and also owned and operated a hay and cattle operation.

He joined the hospital board in 1998 and said his experience is valuable. "The challenges we have ahead in the healthcare field -- they present a challenge to us, and at the same time gives us lots of opportunities. We have to be smart about how we approach some of these things," he said, adding that he's a detail-oriented person who's not afraid to press for answers.

Campbell, 64, spent 37 years in the nuclear power, manufacturing and construction industries. With a new lease on life after a double lung transplant a few years back, he said he's running for the board to give back. "This is my community. I love this place," he said. "I have nothing to gain here except to try to get this board to function properly, try to get the finances straightened out. We've got to make it work."

Rodriguez, 38, also was inspired to run in part by a health issue -- his daughter's. She was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor, and he credits her Trios pediatrician with helping get her the treatment she needed. She's healthy now.

Rodriguez owns ADS Window Tint and has spent two years on Trios' Adult Day Services board. "I've thrown my hat into the ring because I know I am personally and professionally prepared for this. I feel the call. I feel a debt of gratitude to the people who've helped me, helped my family," he said. "I don't look to divide. I look to unite, I look to find common ground."

McWhorter, 62, is a broker with PayneWest Insurance. His job has prompted questions about a potential conflict of interest because Trios is a client.

McWhorter said he would give up handling the account if elected and no conflict exists.

He's served more than 20 years on the Trios Foundation board. "It's the right time" to step up and run for the hospital district board, he said. "We have a great hospital. We have great staff, great physicians. Every day is a new day. It's celebrating the positive and working to make it better."

Sara Schilling: 509-582-1529; sschilling@tricityherald.com; Twitter: @SaraTCHerald

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