RG wrote on Aug 26, 2008 8:33 PM:Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me thrice, shame on me. This has been the most skeptical proposition in years. The people are sick of this type of harrassment. Give it up Tri-City....

Oceanside Chris wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:03 PM:>San Diego County Registrar Deborah
> Seiler said she simply does not
>understand why the opposition was
>so incensed.

You are darn right. It's a scam for a mail-only ballet coupled with a drop off at the hospital. I hope Trestles and the (stoopid) toll road is treated better. Here's hoping that the NOs have it again.

Dave wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:06 PM:NO MORE TAXES...That is the basic issue people are fed up with all these taxes in the name of assessments. They are still taxes and were sick of it. As for TCMC they don't need $600 million. That hospital may need at most a $100 million seismic retro fit. That board and management group, I don't think they could get it done for that price.

I want answers wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:06 PM:Amazing! Sat observing the Registrar of voters at TRI-city all day.


There was definitely some questionable activities going on over there.

It was blatantly improper and unethical that Tri-city would have lobbied the registrar of voters to have a last minute drop off box on Tri-city Hospital property. Residents of Carlsbad and Vista where slighted out of a convenient location in their city to drop off ballots.

There should have been 3 neutral locations around the county that served all voters equally.

I feel Tri-city and the Registrar of voter has a lot of question to answer to the public. I spoke to Deborah Seiler today about my concerns and she referred to Tri-city hospital as her Customer. What the Heck is that suppose to mean??????

Even though this measure so far appears to have failed, we the voters want answers to the unethical activities that took place today.

I hope there will be an investigation about this.

Chief wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:10 PM:Its a gamble. For my money and my extra 100 a year I am going to roll the dice that I will never have to visit Tri City Hospital. Let it crumple in the big one. I will either live forever...Not. or just drop dead.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:11 PM:OH YEAH!!!!

Vista Watchdog wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:18 PM:To TCMC Board:

Will you now please consider the needs of the People of the Tri-Cities area and propose for a future ballot measure the sale of the Hospital and the conversion of the District to an Emergency Management District, where the proceeds from the sale will be used to ensure quality Emergency Services to the Citizens of the District. These services to include building out the ER and adding a Trauma Center at TCMC and leasing the facilities back to the new owner/operator of TCMC. The purchase and operation of Air Services for Air Evacuation, and Arial firefighting. the building of a Regional Communications and Emergency Operations Center, and aiding the cities and communities of the District to purchase communications and other Emergency Services Equipment.

It is far past time for Government to divest in those services that can be done equally or better by Private Industry. Our Constitution does NOT include providing medical care or operating Hospitals. It does however require the government provide for the common defense of the people which can include police, firefighting, and appropriate assistance in areas of safety and the general well being of the people.

TCMC Board, you will all still remain in your positions as Board Members, unless voted out, and the prestige you will earn for having provided even more for your community through the wise investment of the Public's Trust, will allow your names to go down in the History Books as great thinkers and public servants!

Are you up to the challenge?

F.B.I. wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:31 PM:According to my wife onsite at Tri-city today, an A.P. reporter observed individuals signing the ballots of numerous individuals for the bond and dropping them in the box. Video was taken of this event and the F.B.I. was contacted by cell phone. This story just keeps growing more interesting all the time. For the last and final time NO to the bond.

Maybe if wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:31 PM:Tri-city was fiscally responsible they wouldn't have to sucker the voters into a BOND measure we don't need!

And what kind of salary does the CEO of Tri-city make every year???? I'm sure its way more than I can afford to pay.

If this passes wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:32 PM:it is taxation without representation!!!!!!

RN wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:32 PM:Harrassment, are you kidding me!!! Let's see who you will be harrassing when you are having crushing chest pain going down the 78 and there is no hospital to save your life. What does this community want??? Everything for nothing. Give me the best, give me all of it oh and by the way I don't want to pay a dime for it. It is so disgusting to even admit that I live in a community that can't get it together to have quality healthcare. You have some of the very best physicians, nurses and life saving procedures being done at TCMC but people can't seem to figure it out that you need to have a modern up to date facility to do it in. Some might say I appear a little angry, yeah well guess what I am. Will I go back to work on my next scheduled shift and help people restore their lives back to normal after an illness or surgery without any animosity. You bet I will. I am a nurse because I love what I do and I am passionate about it. I work at TCMC because I believe in them and the people that I work with. This won't bring us down, we will pull ourselves up by the boot straps and move forward. I pray and hope for all you "NO" votes that the doors of the hospital are open when you need us. If they are open, I and my co-workers will be there to take care of you. To all of you who supported the efforts of an incredible team of people, THANK YOU.

SDVote wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:46 PM:Accoring to SDVote.com the Final Results at 10:00pm show 62.23% YES. 66.67% was required for passage.

Prop A: FAILED!!!

There is HOPE after all! Thank you Prop 13 for the 2/3 voter approval requirement for Bogus Bonds such as these. Now, if we can only go back to the same requirements for School Bonds!

To RN wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:58 PM:I understand why you are an RN and NOT a business person. TCMC will not close as there is nothing in the law that prohibits the Hospital District from selling to a Private Firm. Most private hospital corporations would be very interested in a fully functional Hospital serving Millions of customers annually. Especially since there is NO competition! You say the condition of the Hospital is such that nobody would want to buy it because it needs so much renovation and retrofit? Guess again, it is far cheaper to buy a fully functional Hospital that needs retrofitting, renovation, and enlarging, than it is to build one from scratch. You already have a FULL STAFF in place and a solid workforce, not to mention customers! And besides, nothing prevents the negotiations of the sale to include a certain amount of discounting or other financial consideration to cover the costs of retrofitting (the only part of the Bond that could be considered a legal requirement). So, as an investor in Private Industry such as the Private Hospital Industry, I can assure you I would be VERY interested in getting a group of investors together to buy TCMC.

But, CLOSE? No, it will NEVER be closed. And please note; if it is discovered that Hospital Staff is in any way shirking their duties as a result of the failure of this bond, said individuals could be held legally liable, not to mention that they could lose their license to practice in the state of CA! Time to start thinking about doing your job as an RN and let the business of running a Hospital be returned to professional Business people!

Vanilla Coke wrote on Aug 26, 2008 10:00 PM:Oh lawdy!! The FBI?!? Are you people kidding me? Your 'story' doesn't even make sense. "Individuals" were signing other "individuals" ballots? If the sigs don't match, the ballot will be rejected. Go be an observer at the ROV if you have so much free time on your hands, and so much paranoia. BTW, I agree with everything RN says, you crybabies all want something for nothing.

US Postal Inspector wrote on Aug 26, 2008 10:08 PM:"Deborah Seiler said …that her office treats the drop-off box the same as a mailbox."

Ms. Seiler, you are not legally authorized by the US Congress to handle or deliver US Postal Service Mail. If, and I do believe the Election Laws of CA are clear on this, the Ballots were to be mailed via the US Postal Service, then you CANNOT "treat() the drop-off box the same as a mailbox." Rather, the drop-off box must be legally considered as an extension of your Office, and therefore any and all laws pertaining to the valid hand delivery of these ballots would have to apply. Again, I must emphasis that you are NOT a part of the US Postal Service and therefore have no legal jurisdiction where such is concerned. In fact, if you do consider this drop-off box to have been a mailbox, you could be charged with Tampering with US Mail, a Federal Felony!

To Vanilla Coke wrote on Aug 26, 2008 10:21 PM:No, we don't want something for nothing: Rather we want responsible investment of our Taxdollars! And so far TCMC has wasted quite a bit on these failed Bond attemps while squandering other funds that coudl have been used years ago to retrofit the Hospital. You must realize it has been known since 1973 that the retro-fitting was needed. Yet, in teh 1980's when the Hospital was significantly enlarged using State Bond monies, no attempt was ever made to do the retro-fit work required. You should also note that not ONE Private Hospital in CA has yet failed to complete the State mandated retro-fitting, while only Public Hospitals are now left with unsafe facilities that don't meet the state's earthquake standards. An you would trust your life to an organization that is willing to wait until the last minute to retro-fit an unsafe building, even when they had the funds available at a much earlier date? Frankly knowing what i know about the management of the Hospital and the Hospital District, I'd be very worried indeed about the kind of medical care they provide. No disrepect intened toward the Doctors and Nurses, but I do know how Managment can impact your ability to perform you jobs/duties. And, we all know that as humans we are emmotionally impacted by such management failures and this in turns impacts our ability to function to our full potential. Though you may try, your best work will never truly be achieved while management is threatening you with job loss, or more work for less pay, or the removal of certain support personell or services.

No, we want a well run Hospital where the Doctors and Nurses can focus on what they do best: Provide for quality Heathcare, and NOT have to spen all their time campaigning for Bonds while fearing for their jobs!

RN wrote on Aug 26, 2008 10:39 PM:To the Business Person who wants to buy the hospital. If you would have taken a breath and taken the time to read my post never once did I say as you say "shirk" my duties as an RN. Polar opposite! I said, "I will go back to work and do my job just as I did it today." I love how you are a so called "Business Person" and you have gotten your knickers in a twist and read past the point of the whole conversation. So yeah that is why I am an RN and not a Business Person, I take the time to listen to people and really understand what they have to say. I don't have to start thinking about doing my job as an RN, I do it everyday with much satisfaction and reward from those that I care for. My prescription for you: slow down, life is to short to be so angry. Take a deep breath prn! Remember TCMC, "We are here for you."

Libra wrote on Aug 26, 2008 10:50 PM:How much money has the hospital spent to try to pass this bond three times? Wasn't there a consulting firm that was hired to help? Spending how many hundred's of thousands of dollars for it. What other money was spent? Too bad they didn't use that money wisely to upgrade the hospital with it instead. You see, it's things like that, that make people wonder if the management is doing what should be done.

Why should we give them more of our hard earned money to just throw away, when it could be used in a better way, such as toward improving the existing hospital.

Guess it's was thought that it was easier to just ask the tax payer for more money.

Lets ask the management if they would like to take a pay cut and not get the large yearly bonus's to help pay for improvements...

Old Timer wrote on Aug 26, 2008 11:27 PM:With the exception of the wealthy cities,San Diego North County is beginning to go the way of a third world country. You can't support a quality hospital, the roads are cracking and ill maintained, schools are over crowded, not enough law enforcement etc. Well, you get what you pay for... Until Prop 13 is revised and all property taxpayers, especally business, pay a fair share, issues like poor infrastructure will be a problem. Tri City Hospital might not even need a bond is everybody was paying their fair share of taxes.

How foolish wrote on Aug 26, 2008 11:50 PM:There is nothing more depressing that ignorance in action. You fools have pretty much killed this hospital. It will be on life support for about three more years and then will die. No physician will want to stay after tonight and the hospital will not be able to recruit new ones. Dumb, dumb, dumb. If you think someone will actually be stupid enough to buy this hosptial, given that it is in the worst payor mix in the USA, you are totally stupid. You didn't want to spend half a billion to upgrade, so why do you think Scripps or Sharps would? I have lost my faith in the democratic process, because our community has been dumbed down to double digit IQs.

Lose lose wrote on Aug 26, 2008 11:53 PM:Guess what, now there won't be a TCMC for illegals and there won't be one for legals either. Hope you fools are happy.

Surrounded by idiots wrote on Aug 26, 2008 11:59 PM:Most of the people who have contributed to this blog tonight could not run a lemonaide stand, much less a hospital. Let me make it clear people, TCMC died tonight and you poor stupid people killed it. No one will buy this hospital. It will not exist in three to five years. When you have your AMI I hope the I5 is not backed up. If it is, you killed yourself.

To To Vanilla Coke wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:00 AM:"Though you may try, your best work will never truly be achieved while management is threatening you with job loss, or more work for less pay, or the removal of certain support personell or services."

Of course we all know this would never happen with a FOR PROFIT hospital. After all, the bottom line of a FOR PROFIT hospital is quality patient care regardless of cost.

It is over wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:03 AM:To the guy who wrote "No, we want a well run Hospital where the Doctors and Nurses can focus on what they do best: Provide for quality Heathcare, and NOT have to spend all their time campaigning for Bonds while fearing for their jobs!", after tonight the doctors and nurses will be focusing on upgrading their resumes and looking for jobs elsewhere. Why should they stay at an old crumbling building that has no future?

you won wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:06 AM:You won! Now you will not have a hospital. I guess the 70,000 people TCMC sees in its ED every year will go south. What a victory. You should be proud that you killed your hospital, because now illegals cannot go there...course neither can you. Humm...

To the brillian person who responded to Vanilla Coke wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:14 AM:I think you ought to run TCMC. We could pay you $50,000 a year and see tremendous improvement on all fronts. You are so wise. Will you please send in your resume. I am sure it will make Art's pale by comparison. I am sure you could provide "a well run Hospital where the Doctors and Nurses can focus on what they do best" provided you could keep them from leaving a county that wants an old run down facility with no future. Can't wait to see you give your first annual report at the Board meeting.

Sketchy way to run a vote wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:26 AM:Despite the dishonesty/sensationalism of the "Yes on A" crowd and the dubious (at best) "mail only" vote, this tax attempt has lost for the third time. Thanks to all who can't be fooled by the TCMC Board and its accomplices at the NCTimes and Registrars' Office.

Umm.. wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:38 AM:Good. Third time. No. Once and for all. Ya know, if the original proposal wasn't put out in such a smug manner without any real information maybe it would have passed. Instead the BoD showed how lame they were and what they thought of the Public at large.

They earned this failure again.

To say the minority rules.. well, someone has to keep the checks in balance.

Hmmm wrote on Aug 27, 2008 1:13 AM:if it needs to be rebuilt, why should the burden be placed solely on the property owner! What a scam, the Board just don't get it.

Thoughtful voter wrote on Aug 27, 2008 3:16 AM:There is a big difference between necessary funding and a blank check bond. These hospital districts are getting too greedy and the voting public is slowly getting wise to their tactics. You can't always get what you WANT but if you try (to be honest) sometimes you get what you NEED. Just a suggestion.

The people wrote on Aug 27, 2008 4:52 AM:Power to the minority. You have made sure there will be no hospital for the illegals, for those who voted for the hospital or for yourselves. Hope you are happy.

Im happy wrote on Aug 27, 2008 6:11 AM:I'm happy that the measure failed. Not because I'm rabidly opposed to some consideration for the hospital--hospitals are good. I'm happy because TCMC tried to ram a property tax hike down my throat three times! And the this time they used a back-door, less-than-honest way of doing so. I'm glad that the measure failed. TCMC was like a pushy panhandler. HEY TCMC--you get NOTHING! Instead of spending the next year figuring out how to pass the same measure in the next election, why don't you put all that brain power to work dealing with your financial problems. NO NEW TAXES and NO NEW BOND-MEASURE ELECTION STRATEGIES!

John wrote on Aug 27, 2008 6:36 AM:Now where is the movement to TURN OUT THE FOOLS ("TRUSTEES") that put this ridiculous measure on the ballot to begin with! Also, the fact that it did get a MAJORITY indicates the more STUPID VOTERS were "in favor of more tax debt". As long as it failed, that is what is important though!

Randy wrote on Aug 27, 2008 6:51 AM:How NOT to pass a hospital bond:
Set the election during a recession. Residents who are losing their
homes, being laid off, and scrounging for gas money will go out of
their way to vote against any tax increase.
Refuse to reduce the amount of the bond.
Run television ads during the Olympics.
Run the same newspaper ad every day.
Locate the only ballot drop-off site at the hospital instead of a
neutral location such as the Vista courthouse.

Disappointed wrote on Aug 27, 2008 6:54 AM:I'm really disappointed with you selfish "libertarian"-style people in the Tri-City region. I have no affiliation with the hospital, but I do know that this hospital needs expansion and improvement to services that only the bond would have provided. Now, I challenge those of you who voted no to never use the TCMC. Your options are limited to any other hospital. So, when you have your heart attack, you tell the ambulance that you can't go to TCMC. Yes, I know you're saying, oh that won't happen to me, but hospitals are like insurance -- you don't need it until you REALLY need it. It's an investment in stabilizing your future.

Surreal wrote on Aug 27, 2008 6:59 AM:To suggest that the 'Minutemen' know anything about the healthcare needs of our community is absurd. A quasi-racist group is celebrating the possible closure of a local hospital. How surreal.

To those of you ranting about forged ballots and calls to the FBI: You sound like crazed conspiracy theorists. Stop embarrassing yourselves.

It looks like North County will finally gets what it wants - A community without a hospital, or at least a Scripps monopoly. Power to the people! (And by people I mean large for-profit health corporations).

To Vanilla Coke wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:12 AM:Crybabies? Want something for nothing? No, we don't want something for nothing. We just want what we ALREADY paid for. Others bloggers here have said the same thing, but far more eloquently.

Appears wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:21 AM:It has failed. No one wants to spend money on illegal aliens, get it? You can candy coat this all you want but the bottom line is we the Americans are tired of this.

To RN wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:27 AM:It's not that people don't want a top notch facility, its that people are fed up with the system. I voted "NO" because there are vey few things that I have some control of where my money goes. No matter how big or how new TCH is I will still be paying for every freeloader that enters. I have seen the bills of service at TCH, I already pay outrages health benifits that pay for them. Once you figure out a way of keeping me from paying for all the services for the freeloaders, I will vote "YES" to get a better facility, but right now I will not pay more just so more freeloaders can get better service. Gov. wants to raise taxes to balance the budget, bonds are passes right and left to make bigger and better roads that we already pay taxes for, we have no control over gas prices, utility prices. My pay stays the same but cost of living goes up. When does it end? I'll tell you when, when more people say "NO" and vote "NO".

PS
What a scam the way the ballot was done.

Ralphs wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:44 AM:To the TCMC Board: We the citiizens hope that you have now learned a very important lesson. We will not OK higher taxes to be used to make a fat hog fatter. Enough is enough.

Sunflower wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:55 AM:My, my, aren't we testy this morning. I for one am glad the bond failed. because I'm tired of Chicken Little screaming "the sky is falling, the sky is falling." First of all, I really don't believe that bulldozers will be leveling Tri City in three years. Second, quit calling all other hospitals "for profit". Nearly all hospitals are non-profit organizations, they all are pretty much obligated to treat anyone who comes through the doors of the emergecy rooms, everyone who is treated will receive an invoice for their treatment which some will not be able to pay. If you don't pay a hospital bill, rest assured the bill collectors will be after you, even if you are "illegal". This happens at ALL hospitals, bills don't get paid. Also, if they are paid, all hospitals pretty much have to take what insurance pays, including Medicare. Because ALL insurance underpays, those without get billed many times the actual cost of their treatment. Very unfair. IMHO someone will purchase Tri-City, which was conceived at a time when it was "in the middle of nowhere" and really needed. It probably is still needed, as a private hospital funds will come from many sources and management will have to toe the line. It will all turn out just fine. BTW, would the "minutemen" prefer that hospitals just let poor people and "illegals" die in the parking lot?

To Vanilla Coke wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:59 AM:And the Government run Hospital does put quality care first? Obviously you have missed the point: If the Government run Hospital cared for teh people it was serving it would have performed teh retro-fits in the 1980's when there was state funding available for that purpose, rather than wait until it was too late. Unfortunately that is the way of Government run services that compete with private enterprise: they know that if they wait they can hold the pople hostage and demand more money from the public trough. A private Hospital woud have to make business decisions based on the current and future projects of finances while trying to focus on the business they perform: "providing Quality healthecare." The government run hospital on the other hand eentually becomes just like any other government enterprise: "a jobs program at the expense of the taxpayer."

Analyze The Structures With HAZUS wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:59 AM:A key issue in this campaign was the fact that Tri-City has not actually analyzed the earthquake resistance of the older buildings. Instead, Tri-City merely reported to the state that the building would fall down in an earthquake (SPC-1). Then Tri-City ignored the state's recent requests for information to determine whether the older buildings could be recategorized as SPC-2 using the HAZUS software. If the buildings were upgraded to SPC-2 using the HAZUS software, they can be used until 2030! Also, such study may find that relatively nominal structural improvement can bring the older building up to SPC-2 levels. Tri-City should come to the voters only after doing its homework, and then releasing ALL of the details to the public!

Sean wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:07 AM:I would have assumed that voting "no" twice before would have sent the message loud and clear. I was incensed that I have to cast a vote a third time. What a waste of taxpayer money. Don't try it again!

heroin user wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:11 AM:Bad timing for this bond. Housing needs to be re-assessed again to lower values. Then, the assessed tax amount would be less for the bond. People are losing homes and jobs. Not good timing for this bond.

Citizen wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:18 AM:A bond is a tax. The cost of a bond is roughly doubled over the life of the bond when interest is added on. A $600,000,000 bond would cost about $1,200,000,000. Bonds can be reissued without a vote thus further increasing the cost to the taxpayer. Bonds put the citizen tax payers and their children deeper in debt as governments promote bonds rather than "pay as you go".
The Citizens are fighting back and won this one.

Oceansider wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:34 AM:Now, wise and all-knowing TCMC Board of Directors, you have been refused for a THIRD time. That you are still puzzled by why district voters rejected your bond measure bespeaks of your utter disregard for everything we said to you during this and the past two failed attempts. So, I'll now give you your first assignment, in clear, short words. After you have completed this assignment, come back and we'll give you the next step:

Expand the district to include ALL of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista.

We don't want to hear from you again until you've COMPLETED this step.

Simply Amazing wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:36 AM:Congratulations to the Vote No Crowd! Woot! Thank you so much for proving once again the the majority of people have no say and that the minority rules! Awesome day for the defeat of the American Way!.......

Support the foundation wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:39 AM:To all those people who wanted this tax to pass, I recommend you approach the foundation and sign a 40-year contract to make the donation that would have been added to your property tax. Let's see if you really support this tax. You can even specify exactly what you want the money spent on. It's even a tax deduction!

What part of NO wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:40 AM:...don't they understand? American taxpayers are NO longer going to pay for services for poor illegal alien. We're being taxed to death and now we all know a major reason why! The life boat is full. STOP ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION NOW!

Floyd wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:41 AM:Gonzalez isn't sure what put Prop A under? Maybe he should read a newspaper.

Thinking wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:47 AM:The majority is silenced again. Seems like a micro-cosm of whats wrong with the entire nation.

To RN wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:49 AM:You seem fairly angry yourself about the people wanting something for nothing. I find it hard to believe that with the level of emotion you show in your blog that your work performance hasn't been, and won’t continue to be, impacted by all the politics surrounding this bond. I don't blame you. Management has been quite myopic where the future of TCMC is concerned. They have continued to believe they had time and that in the end the taxpayer would come through. But, when they should have acted with haste to take advantage of state funds available for retro-fitting back in the 1980s they chose to expand instead. And rather than planning to set aside funds over the year to eventually have those needed for the retro-fit, they again squandered those funds on other projects. 30 years seems like lots of time, but remember the bond was also for that much time. So, had TCMC management started planning 30 years ago for the retro-fit the money would have been in place. Of course, TCMC could try looking outside the box and see if they can find a private investor who would be willing to do a "Lease Back" type of deal to perform the work planned under the bond. In such an agreement the investor performs the work with a long-term lease contract in place with the Hospital District for payment on the investment. The investor then retains partial ownership in the facilities while TCMC leases them from the investor. In fact, whole new buildings can be built on the land owned by the District. In these cases the District leases the land to the investor, who builds the new buildings, who then leases the buildings back to the District. This is known as "Lease, Lease Back" and has been used by government enterprise for many years. It saves the requirement of investing in capital improvements while allowing for long-term budgeting afforded by the long-term lease agreement. The co-ownership of facilities, where the private investor is the co-owner, is very similar but there is no leasing of the land to the investor.

You see, RN, as a business person working within the healthcare investment industry I understand that it is management's responsibility to ensure that the healthcare providers have the facilities and materials needed to do their jobs. And that those healthcare providers should never have to worry about the financial well being of the organization they are working for: that is management's responsibility! So, until management at TCMC/TCH District take full responsibility for those functions for which they are responsible, the quality of the healthcare that you can provide will suffer. That is why I spoke of shirking your duties in the earlier blog. Some of you will do your best to be professionals and return to work and try to "pull yourselves up by the bootstraps" (you should not have to do this, but management failed you). But, some will take a more negative attitude toward the citizens who they feel did not support them in their need for funds (this was something overheard on many occasions while working/visiting TCMC: "slow down and make them wait. The long waits will change their minds about not passing the bond!").
So, while you and I both know there are those people with whom you work who feel this way, I know from years of experience that your ability to function at your best will be impacted as well simply by having to work with these people. Not to mention your already exposed attitude that you feel I need to receive a prescription from you. Thank you for caring, but my health is quite fine, and if we can get TCMC management out of their rut and remove their blinders, your work atmosphere will improve and so will your job satisfaction.

Clueless Art wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:02 AM:"Standing before a crew of dispirited volunteers Tuesday night, [CEO Art]Gonzalez said no one should take the loss personally."

Wrong, Mr. Gonzales. YOU should take this loss VERY personally. The results speak directly to a lack of confidence by voters of your management and the "leadership" of the Board. You don't know why the bond failed three times? Then you just haven't been paying attention.

ChickenLittle wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:03 AM:"The sky is falling...the sky is falling"..NOT! Happy days are here again.

To Vanilla Coke wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:09 AM:$50K would not even begin to replace my current salary. But thanks for the offer. As for running the Hospital better than it is run now. That is not very hard. You see, current management involves teh Healthcare provider in too many things that are fully the responsibility of Management. The Heathcore provider should be able to focus on providing healthcare, while management focusses on the day to day operations and planning for the future. Consult the healthcare providers to dertermine their needs and desires for the future. But, involve them to the extent wherein they fear for their jobs is a failure of management.
As for people/employees leaving due to a "run down" hospital. If that happens then it fully supports my position that management has failed! There are so many options for a Government Hospital (or other government operation) that have not yet been looked at. Some of teh Blogs already posted address some of these options. Co-Ownershhip of the Facilities is probably the most viable and easiest to make happen. Such is done in industry all the time. In fact, it is done both ways: the government owens the facilities while the private corporation does teh work that is ultimately performed for the governemnt, and the private investor owens the facilities where the government does the work. There are aslo private investors who build faciliteis that private corporations then lease from these investors/owners. TCMC can look at all of these options and the facilities can be greatly improved while the taxpayer is not forced out of their house nad home by massive over taxation by too many government organizations. You see, TCMC could also be closed due to all the people moving out of the area as a result of the living expneses being too high. TCMC would equally have difficulty hiring employees as they could not afford to live nearby. Cosntant taxing by government is NOT the answer. It eventually impacts all people in the area and that too is not good for your Hospital.

No suprise.... wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:15 AM:I am reading the same thing i have been reading since this debacle started... Vote YES or TCH will close.... WRONG !!...I voted NO because i am tired of everyone wanting all the time and if everyone and anyone can use TCH then everyone should step up and pay for it... Not just the tri cities... NO WAY UNFAIR !!!... I understand the frustration of those who think voting NO is the worst thing ever... But it's not and we will all survive.... TCH has more work to do on a lot more issues before coming back to the people for a 4th time.... And trust me... IT WILL HAPPEN.... So it's over for the time being... Let's get over it and move on...

Mr. Know-It-All wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:19 AM:This bond measure is just the 'tip of the iceberg' if the democrats get into the White House and start to impose national health care! You think you're over-taxed now ... just wait!

Stephen wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:25 AM:"The sad thing is, California law allows the minority to rule," Wardwell said.

That is an interesting way of looking at it. Although, that isn't quite the way it works.

This is the way it works: California law makes sure a majority will NOT ROB a minority.

Just a slight difference, Mr. Wardwell.

Oceanside Chris wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:47 AM:To RN: Thank you for your service. I have been a patient with three surgeries at the hospital. I voted NO thrice because of the expansion. Why should I vote for expansion when the ER is full of non-paying folks? Why should I pay for expansion when my medical bills for the three surgeries were well over $300,000? As a property owner, I want to live in North County but every day someone wants my wallet. Schools, roads, now a possible sales tax increase -- and my pay check dollar amount is the same. RN, I recognize the duty that you and the nurses, doctors and staff do. All I want is a realistic plan that does not involve a billion dollars (after 40 years plus interest) stranglehold. Thank you.

Proud of Those Who Said No. wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:59 AM:BIG thank you to those who voted "No." For the third time, we put the overpaid officers of that hospital in "time out." I'm proud we took a firm hand with these spoiled children. Perhaps now, a few (several?) will be replaced by much more competent executives.

Stunning wrote on Aug 27, 2008 10:01 AM:The ignorance on this Blog is just STUNNING! "The American Way" was set up so that we would NOT be subject to "the tyrany of the majority" . .ESPECIALLY in the area of new taxation! But I forget . .they don't teach the Constitution or Civics or History in publik Skools any longer. ANOTHER rip off of the tax payer!

One MILLION a MONTH spent on interlopers and criminals who should NOT even BE in the country? ! ? THAT annual 12 million COULD go a LONG way towards whatever retrofit is needed.

It SOUNDS as if a competent FBI criminal investigation ought to put some of these hospital administrators in Federal Prison for fraud and tampering with an election.

TCMC CEO Has How Many Houses wrote on Aug 27, 2008 10:09 AM:Three?!

Everybody agrees now wrote on Aug 27, 2008 10:12 AM:is not the time to be asking for money. Today's NCT article, North County incomes have failed to keep pace with inflation in yet another indicator that the region has entered a recession.

Rising gasoline prices along with an increased cost of food have pushed up the cost of living, while fewer jobs and weaker consumer spending mean local residents are not earning enough to keep up, according to a release Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Further, the release reports numbers only through 2007, and recent jobs reports suggest the economy has weakened further this year.

"This is a story of a grim, stagnant economy between 2006 and 2007. And it's really the best we'll see in this economic cycle," said Murtaza Baxamusa, research director for the Center on Policy Initiatives, a San Diego think tank.

Psychic wrote on Aug 27, 2008 10:15 AM:Hopefully, the failure of this bond measure will give the EUHSD a glimpse into the crystal ball for the fate of their school bond.

TCMC EMPLOYEE wrote on Aug 27, 2008 10:16 AM:THANK GOD!!!! Its over. 3rd times a charm. I am a homeowner and voted N to the O!!!!! I know the hospital can do it another way. They didnt need our money. So stoked!!!

Bucky wrote on Aug 27, 2008 10:20 AM:It's a sad day. Now the group led by a disgruntled former hospital employee and some misguided fools can gloat as you drive to Escondido to go to the hospital. That’s right Escondido. Since the earthquake standards cannot be met by the current buildings in 2010 more than half of the hospital will have to close. Aren’t you proud of voting against keeping a first class hospital in Oceanside? It's a sad day.

Another RN wrote on Aug 27, 2008 10:22 AM:I am amazed at the crowing about the defeat of Prop A. There's lots of talk about "Government" hospitals versus hospitals run like businesses, and how you're tired of paying for "freeloaders" and "illegals." Well, the "Government" hospital is run by a locally elected board (elected by you people) and is answerable to you. A corporate hospital answers to its shareholders. A tiny percentage of patients treated in the ER at Tri City are "illegals." And by law, every hospital, even your wonderful Sharps and Scripps, that accepts government money (read "Medicare") has to treat everyone--not only "illegals" but even obnoxious racists like the "Minutemen," and selfish oligarchs like you "business men." And for those of you who are churchgoers, whose side do you think Jesus is on?I'm betting it's on the side of the poor and humble.

TCMC wrote on Aug 27, 2008 10:35 AM:Admits to a loss of $1 million+ a month due to non payment for services rendered. Then they double and triple bills to those with insurance to make up the difference. Debt collectors DON'T go after illegals because they are UNLOCATABLE, have given false information and NEVER get checked for proper ID. Then, the hospital is underpaid by social programs like MediCal and MediCare, so they once again bilk the tax paying, insurance holding patients for THIS shortfall, as well. Finally, to add insult to injury, they want to add to property taxes ONLY, to cover a $600 million bond? Please TCMC, help me understand your rationale?

To Mr. Healthcare Business Person wrote on Aug 27, 2008 10:37 AM:You keep mentioning that management should have funded the retro-fitting back in the 1980's. Please tell us which of the current board members and/or upper management were in place in the 1980's. If you can't name one, your point is irrelevant to the current administration. We can all play the could've/should've game, but you're stretching it to take it back to the 1980's.

Oceansider wrote on Aug 27, 2008 10:56 AM:to Bucky

"It's a sad day. Now the group led by a disgruntled former hospital employee and some misguided fools can gloat..."

Just so you know: I was led by no one but my own ability to think clearly and vote accordingly. You give this disgruntled employee a heck of a lot of credit -- he apparently hoodwinked a sufficient number of voters with little financial support and a poorly designed website.

You seem to suffer from the same disease that CEO Gonzales and the Board shares: thinking you're way smarter than the voting public. Hubris rarely helps one win an election.

To Mr. Healthcare Business Person wrote on Aug 27, 2008 10:57 AM:I think you're confusing the ideal with reality. You see, Mr. Healthcare Business Person, as an RN with over 25 years experience IN the healthcare industry, I understand that nurses do not work in a vacuum. Providing safe patient care is my top priority, but I must also take share in some of the fiscal responsibility. There is waste at every level in a hospital; while I can't control the huge amount of waste engaged in by management, I can reduce the amount of waste in my area. Sorry, but I do take responsibility to promote the financial well being of the hospital very seriously. It is not the sole responsiblity of management.

JC wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:00 AM:Thank you Joe Brown and everyone who voted no. Now its time to come together and "RAIN" on their parade. As Mr. Shuster puts it, "Remove All Incumbents Now" or R.A.I.N. as it has become will send an even louder message to all the politico's who think we the people are nieve, un-educated lambs of faith that all the lifer politians are here for our best interest. RAIN on them at the next election and put people in office with the title of Cook and Carpet Layer instead of Harvard Grad and life time politician and then maybe we can be led by people with some common sence!
We the People have spoken for the third time!

Oceanside Chris wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:09 AM:To "Another RN"; I am not crowing about the defeat, I believe I have been fair. A realistic overall plan that includes fair wages for nurses. I disagree on your assessment on the ER. I had to use it last March and there were a lot of non-paying non-locals in there. $12 million a year for non-payment as pointed out. That's a lot of money out the door; and as a property owner, that's a lot of my money paying for something I didn't ask for. As it was pointed out; the issue is with the state, and the government paying less. Coupled with rising everything, I hope you can concede that a realistic plan is needed. Just like the "Sprinter" train, good idea, too much money. Thank you, "Another RN" for your service.

To Simply and Thinking wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:10 AM:You say majority is in favor, but that voting majority does not represent the people who would have to repay the bond if successful. The 2/3rds is in place to help level the playing field.

Wow wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:15 AM:Stunning you could not be more wrong. This country was set up to be ruled by the people. Not a minority rule of what 30% of the people want vs what 70% of the people want. Only in the last 20 years or so has it become a rule by the minority. The only countries that are run by minority rule are dictatorships and communist block countries. And btw if you have a problem with treating in your words "interlopers" and "criminals" take it up with the Federal Government hospitals by law cannot ask for citizenship and cannot refuse treatment to those patients. Know your facts before you show your ignorance again.

To Mr. Healthcare Business Person wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:18 AM:<<<this was something overheard on many occasions while working/visiting TCMC: "slow down and make them wait. The long waits will change their minds about not passing the bond!".>>>

I find it very hard to believe that the above statement was heard on "many occasions". Care to back that up with proof or did you hear it from someone who heard it from their friend who heard it from their second cousin?

First of all, the majority of voting people voted FOR the bond. And there's no way to know who voted for or against the bond. The "let's make everyone suffer" doesn't make sense.

Second, and most importantly, the majority of staff at TCMC are DEDICATED people who do not mix political issues with their job responsibilities, which is to give the best care possible to the patients. Most do not even have time to think about Prop A while working.

It's insulting that you would accuse staff of PURPOSELY making patients suffer in any way because the bonds failed to pass. Quite frankly, that you do suggest it, tells me you don't know what you're talking about.

Jeff M wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:26 AM:If the current ownership were to EVER go under, that hospital would IMMEDIATELY be bought up and taken over by someone who will run it properly, AND will pay for the upgrades. It has a HORRIBLE reputation to start with. Anything would be an improvement. The medical industry makes BILLIONS. Does anyone honestly believe they would close this hospital? Only a sheep would believe that. In the words of Al Gore: "They played on our fears!!"
Serves them right. Bravo StopTaxingus and Dr. Gonsalves.

To Bucky wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:29 AM:You are an alarmist who has bought the Tri City terror campaign hook line and sinker. Lincoln was right.

thank you wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:32 AM:My personal thanks to the 'NO' on A group. We need more people like you who are willing to fight this kind of injustice.

To RN wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:36 AM:You must be one of the old nurses at TCMC who just wants to keep a cushy job, complaining all the time about everything...

Oceansider wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:42 AM:Time to update the headline to this article:

Prop. A has failed.

One glance at the results posted on the Registrar's website will confirm this. Even if all the provisional ballots voted "yes," the measure would fail.

By the way, only 38% of all eligible ballots were even returned. So much for "tyranny of the minority." You can't even get a majority of people to vote at all. I'll bet the TCMC board now wishes they had waited until November. I'm betting that voter turnout will be substantially higher than 38%.

To Oceanside Chris wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:43 AM:FYI: If you have healthcare insurance, it most likely TCMC did not get reimbursed the $300,000. They probably only received a small percentage of that cost. But I agree with you that it feels like my checkbook is open to almost every public entity nowadays, and I wonder when it will stop.

TCMC Friend wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:59 AM:I am amazed by those that think that defeating a bond measure that supports the heathcare of our families and economic stability of our community so elated. I understand that there are serious issues at hand that would cause some people to find it difficult to reach into their wallets again. But the mean spirited opposition is both short sighted and uninformed. If you all think you have the answers then bring it on. Tri-City invites community participation. But I know it is much easier to sit on the sidelines and throw rocks rather than to be part of the solution. Good luck to you. Its a long drive to Escondido. And Encinitas doesn't have a full service hospital.

Sad wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:18 PM:After reading all of these comments, I am truly amazed at the ignorance and paranoia that has a grip on the people of this community. Well actually it's not a community. It's a group of self-focused individuals who thrive on entitlement and cheer themselves on for being able to stick it to someone.

Oceansider wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:25 PM:Dear TCMC friend:

We opponents did not "sit on the sidelines and throw rocks." We did something that, apparently, enough of the bond's proponents didn't: we VOTED.

The TCMC board went out of its way to make it as easy as possible for proponents to pass this bond. Yet it failed. Isn't it time for someone in a position of leadership on this board to honestly ask the question, "why didn't it pass?" -- and then shut up long enough to hear the answer? But that would require a sense of humility on the part of this board, something the Board has NEVER demonstrated.

Joe C wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:27 PM:Yes, ignorance reigns along with self-interest and revenge. Sadly, it will take several years for the community to realize that they have been had by bond opponents. The real shame is that obvious strong support the hosptial has among the community does not count. The state demands retrofitting and the state legislates a two-thirds majority. Maybe the state should build the new hospital.

Moving Forward wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:29 PM:Escondido is currently building a brand new state-of-the-art medical center which means "hoe-anside" can now take the mantle as the armpit of north county.

Lack of leadership at TCMC wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:34 PM:What kind of an executive would say that it had no idea of what happenned? The entire senior administration exhibits lack of leadership as usual. They are preoccupied about being politically correct and not being able to make difficult choices.
By the way, what are their salaries again?

only failure in SD county wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:36 PM:Why Grossmont and Palomar were able to make it first time and Tri-City failed three times?
The people at the top!!

TCMC RN wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:39 PM:We have many people talking about leaving the organization for a more stable one. Anybody cares?

Jesus wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:44 PM:Carte Blanche with the publics check book is crazy. I think it would have passed but the people running Tri-City are money grubbers. Fix your old buildings. The cost is not that high.

Untimely wrote on Aug 27, 2008 1:01 PM:Why was this bond measure voted on now (all by itself) and not in November during the normal election? Why did we have to pay the extra expenses for a special vote just for this! That should have never been allowed! I hope we don't see this again!

PIG wrote on Aug 27, 2008 1:41 PM:The fat pig can feed itself.

Oceansider wrote on Aug 27, 2008 1:45 PM:To Untimely:

(Assuming your question is not a rhetorical one)

The balloting was done this way, all by its lonesome, because the TCMC board of directors thought that it would be easier to get a supermajority of YES votes by doing it this way. The board was so sure that opposition would be outnumbered if this was the only issue on the ballot. Funny thing is, this measure lost by a larger percentage than the previous two regular-election attempts.

Maybe NOW the board will realize that it isn't HOW the vote is done, but more WHAT the public is voting on. Maybe NOW they'll see that their position is fundamentally flawed. Maybe NOW...oh, right, I forgot who we're talking about. These arrogant folks never learn.

Get It wrote on Aug 27, 2008 2:00 PM:"Wardwell was less diplomatic: 'If we can't rebuild, then, at some point in time, we will not be operating the hospital.'"

Notice the Wardwell did not say "...at some point in time, the hospital will close." He said, in essence, that the hospital will be running under different management. To which I say, great news!

from the back gate wrote on Aug 27, 2008 2:07 PM:I really feel that most of the you people who voted against prop a must already be dead. That is brain dead. The state has mandated earth quake retrofit. I work at tri-city and know a lot more about that building than most of you will ever know. To bad you didnt save that 150.00 you wasted to see the chargers win or loose or the padreas lose again. Well good luck in the future for health care, because when it is gone, it is gone. I will be one of many that will vote against sale of my hospital to sharps or scrips so that they can make money for their purposes. It will once again take 66.66 percent to pass to sell it, because it is the property of the three cities. I would rather see condos built then someone elses hosp. Also your free loading whites, blacks and others who non hispanic will have to pay in the future and find a new ergent care facility to sponge off of. There are some real da's out there and some of them even claim to be doctors. Hope I dont have needs of his services in the future.

Mike wrote on Aug 27, 2008 2:30 PM:Are the voters getting smarter? Rule #1: Never, ever give the government more of your money. It will never end. It is a continuous cycle. Give them more and they will always want more. After all, they have to keep dishing out those big fat government paychecks at taxpayer expense. Now it is time to replace the Tri-City board with some folks who care about the taxpayers pocketbook.

to from the back gate wrote on Aug 27, 2008 2:35 PM:Completely agree with you. If and when it goes up for sale I will go out in force to ensure it doesnt pass. I was willing to foot my fair share of the bill as part of the community since there is always a need for a hospital. But since the community has clearly stated they dont need or care about the hospital, I will do everything in my power to ensure it doesnt get sold and that the vote fails. I get my healthcare elsewhere so it being replaced by a new Mall is fine by me.

Chris wrote on Aug 27, 2008 2: