More consultants coming wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:21 PM:Of course board members haven't formed an opinion about a fourth bond yet. We'll have to wait until they spend hundreds of thousands more dollars on consultants to tell them what to do.

I want one too wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:32 PM:If you would just turn in the required homework for the HAZUS extension, there's a good possibility you will have until 2030 for the required repairs. This will give you time for damage control in the community and maybe you should speak with Palomar for some pointers. Don't be in a hurry to keep up with the Jones's.

Another Bond wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:37 PM:Is this the only backup plan these bozos have? These highly compensated hospital exec. are paid to do their jobs and run the hospital without taxpayer dollars. They never thought of the 3rd bond would fail?? This is the fundamental problem of this hospital.

Time to get rid of the problems. The voters have spoken yet again, Listen Up Art Gonzales and the board. You are nothing but total disgrace.

next steps wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:49 PM:TriCity was so over confident that the bond will pass,the management team has no plans of moving forward after the election date.

Why were they so confident? employee all tactics to steal this election?

If the nearby hospitals can expand without taxpayers dollars, what's wrong with TriCity? Don't waste time on why the voters have rejected the same bond the 3rd time, look closely and honestly inside the organization.

It is shameful for high level managers to even talk about the 4th bond and no other options. Don't those people have any pride any more?

Incompetence wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:52 PM:one word said it all
"INCOMPETENCE"
Why are we paying those people ?

Floyd wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:56 PM:Attention, Tri-City Board: When one source of funding is unavailable, you seek another. Since it will take $25 million a year to pay off the bond, you can dedicate 2.5% of your $1 Billion annual gross income to rebuilding. That's two and a half cents out of every dollar, something that can be accomplished with skillful budgeting.

DoYourHomwork wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:04 PM:Mitchell says school bonds only need to pass at 55%. He's not entirely accurate. It depends on the type of election. He should do his homework.

Theresa wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:10 PM:This is sad for N County. I think it amazing that far more than 1/2 of the voters supported this yet it failed. Clearly it is just the economic situation we face now that moved voters in this direction.

RG wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:24 PM:Finally the major minority can rest for a while. The people have spoken. Again. Hopefully Tri-City will decide to obtain a quality administration before it is too late. Maybe then they could focus on the correct path to follow concerning their delema.

Vista Watchdog wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:28 PM:Answer to the problem: Think outside the box! TCMC's District Board of Directors has many options they have not even begun to consider. 1. Private investors who would co-own the Facilities. The put up the funds needed to retro-fit and enlarge the ER for an assured return on the investment (TCMC leases back from the co-owner that portion of the facility owned by the investor). 2. Lease-Lease-Back. similar to Option One, but basically the District leases a portion of the current facility (or land) to an investor for a small fee. The investor then makes the needed improvements or builds new/additional facilities which are in turn leased back to TCMC District for an agreed long-term fee. Again, this is an assured return on investment but is secured in a different manner. 3. Sell the Facilities, or portions of them, to a private investor with the agreement that the facilities will be upgraded to meet the needs of TCMC District and that TMCM will in turn assure a fair lease agreement for use of these facilities. Again, very similar to the first two options, but secured in a different manner. 4. Sell the Hospital Facilities all together, including the operation itself (i.e. Privatize). The proceeds from the sale can be returned to the taxpayers in any number of ways. 4. Present to the voters the option of converting the Hospital District into an Emergency Management District. Sell the current assets of the hospital District to a Private Corporation and invest the proceeds long-term. Use the proceeds from the investment to fund the many Emergency Management programs, including aiding the new owner of the Hospital to upgrade and maintain the ER and build a Trauma Center. Also fund a North County Emergency Management Operations and Communication Command Center. Possibly purchase or lease a few Helicopters for Air Evacuation and Firefighting. The list is endless!

The key here is to stop counting on the taxpayer to bail you out of every financial difficulty you get into. Taxpayers work very hard for their money at presently must work nearly 6 full months of the year just to cover all their many tax liabilities! That is TOO MUCH! You wonder why a third attempt failed? You actually have to ask that question knowing what has just been said about taxes? Add to that the current economic status of the area, the price of fuel, the instability of the political arena (locally and nationally), the rapidly rising cost of food and other consumer goods, and is it any wonder the taxpayer says NO to even more taxes, even though it was claimed to be for their own health? The taxpayer is tiered of the many many false promises coming from the government. It is time for the government to show its responsibility back to the taxpayer. So something smart for once that actually shows really business sense and you'll be surprised at how fast people will jump on your bandwagon and provide you all the support you could ever want. But, continue to threaten the taxpayer when they have already been raped by nearly every other government agency, and you will find they don't really care what you say you need the money for. Basically, they have been bled dry, and nothing more to give.

Oceanside Chris wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:42 PM:I don't know of the Tri City Hospital read this -- however, make a realistic plan that is affordable. It seems you are worried about the encroachment of Escondido and Encinitas. How did they do it? What made their plan succeed? What are they building in there? Don't waste money from high dollar companies that only wait for the signed check. Meet your folks -- and meet them in the community away from the hospital grounds. See, there isn't a charge for this! Thank you!

to Theresa wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:52 PM:Are you supporting the 4th, 5th, 6th bond?
Are you saying that TriCity management was perfect and it should rob the taxpayers as soon as the economy is better?
Are you saying that Voters' decisions should be rejected at all costs?
Do you believe in democracy? Isn't this more important than a poorly run hospital which has many other options?
Do You know that TriCity is more profitable now than 3 years ago when it put out its first bond measure?
What did TriCity prescribe you to take that scare you into believing its propaganda instead of its financial statement?
What will it take for you to say it is time that Tricity should shape up or ship out!!

Deja Vu wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:55 PM:America is GREAT - GOD BLESS AMERICA ~ what timing coincided with the DNC and the RNC with local agendas.

healthcare exec wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:08 PM:Everyone is ignoring the most likely option - merge with PPH....hospital operations remain in the public arena and the costs of renovation are spread over a much larger business base. Duplicative services can be eliminated saving millions per year which can be used to add new innovative services not yet available to North County citizens.

John wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:10 PM:3 Strikes. How many innings will they go before they get some new players and a new game plan?

Dmitriy wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:14 PM:I guess it is always easy to make someone else pay. You don't even have to curb your unnecessary spending.

Clean House wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:50 PM:These idiots have failed. They've wasted millions of dollars trying to shakedown North County residents because they don't know how to run a hospital more profitably. Get a clue people! Read my lips, "no new taxes". You too Arnold! We have no problem doing a 'Total Recall' on the Governator if he raises sales tax by 12 percent, like he's trying to.

Disgruntled Doc wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:54 PM:The reason the bond failed is not because the voters don't want a modern new facility, but because of lack of confidence in the current dysfunctional Board of Directors and Administration, they all support, to be trusted with prudent management of hard-earned tax dollars. After 3 strikes, they should all be out. It's time to get a whole new team!

Larry wrote on Aug 27, 2008 10:05 PM:What all the comments to the North County Times on Measure A show is that the bond opposition forces and other concerned residents have effectively expressed their concerns with the proposed bond and have questioned the suitability of the current Board and its administration to manage and implement a large hospital expansion. It is folly for the hospital Board to consider another bond election-- the margin of defeat is getting larger with successive bond attempts.

The problem IS Art Gonzalez wrote on Aug 27, 2008 10:20 PM:As a former Hospital Administrator who worked under some of the pioneers of healthcare in California, such as Sam Tibbitts, and Paul Teslow, who both were GREAT healthcare administrators, and leaders in their field, I can unequivocally state that the poor management of Tri-City Hospital is TOTALLY responsible for these bond issues failing. "Dr." Art Gonzalez is tremendously OVERPAID and equally and inversely INEPT in managing this facility. His PhD. is a "joke"........I have worked with so many more qualified hospital administrators, who have worked for so much less (and who were satisfied with their compensation) in my over 30 years in healthcare, that seeing what his total compensation package is, and comparing it to his incredibly poor performance, simply makes me ill (no pun intended!) He should be immediately removed! He is certainly no Sam Tibbitts, or Paul Teslow!

No more wrote on Aug 27, 2008 10:30 PM:"We can't seem to get a bond passed, and we need to start doing our homework on this," Sterling said.

You should have done your homework BEFORE you tried to shakedown the district's taxpayers for over $500 million. No more bond attempts, please!

Tri-strikes your out wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:20 PM:TCMC wants to say that the majority of voters voted yes. What TCMC fails to mention is that those Yes voters where a very small turn out of registered voters. 32,000 yes votes out of 140,000 eligible ballots out there equates to a little over 22% of the voters that supported this bond.

TCMC shot itself in the foot when they tried to be slick and held this special election, rather than taking the time and waiting for the general election. I think TCMC thought that most voters outside the Tri-city area would have overlooked or not cared enough to take action. TCMC in the mean time thought by targeting voters that would benefit from this bond, they would get mostly yes votes to get their 66.66%.

It was a good theory, but it back fired.

TCMC needs to accept their defeat. The voters are tired and have had enough of this nonsense.

TRI-strikes your out!

Bad rep wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:24 PM:Tri-city has such a bad reputation. Everyone is afraid to go there. Most people I know say that there are to many non-citizens in the ER so residents go some where else.

Its sad cause I now they have good doctors and nurses there. But they have had the bad ep for 20 years or longer.

I been there and know it aint that bad.

Hail to the Voters wrote on Aug 28, 2008 5:46 AM:Three cheers for the Tri-City voters who had the sense to reject this bond. Now if only some of that common sense rubs off on the rest of the County's up and coming bond measures (new fire tax, Escondido Union District bond measure) No No No to all new bond measures. The taxpayers (all of us legal, home and business owning people) can no longer afford such folly. Local and State Governments must cut the spending for frivolous programs and non essentials. Enforce our immigration laws and remove illegals from the welfare roles.

B. Liles LEWIS wrote on Aug 28, 2008 6:16 AM:WHY!! the few pay for the many that use t,c.m.c.

Randy wrote on Aug 28, 2008 6:34 AM:Wait until the our economic health is fully restored! It is the Board of Directors that is fully, completely and totally responsible for the failure of the bond, not the administration.

Vista Granny wrote on Aug 28, 2008 7:07 AM:Once again. The hospital has to take in emergency patients, pay or no pay. So do the other area hospitals. All hospitals in the area get paid the same amount for the same procedures whether its Medicare, Medical or private insurance. Some hospitals get lots and lots of private donations because they offer great care and have great plans to solicit them. Tri City is just a loser.

And you dont think wrote on Aug 28, 2008 7:16 AM:that the health care system in this country is broken.. trying to tax people out of their homes with every idiot trying to feather his nest on the backs of the "property owner" .
Socialized Medicine is the only way now.

Oceansider wrote on Aug 28, 2008 7:47 AM:The board majority cannot see a relationship between three failures and the hospital's administration? Then, wise leaders, you deserve nothing. You do not see because you do not wish to see. The failure of this bond, and the two previous failures, was an utter vote of no confidence in the administration. That is why we said no. That is why we will continue to say no.

Too bad the Bush administration is on its way out. Most of you would fit in nicely.

Clueless. TriCity district voters deserve better.

gracchus wrote on Aug 28, 2008 7:49 AM:dasvid tweedy says that the taxpayers have spoken clearly about their aversion to another tax levy. 62.51% of the voters supported proposition A; 37.49% opposed it. those numbers don't support mr. tweedy's contention.

because of the constitutional requirement that tax increases decided by the voters holds that they pass with a 2/3 majority, a stubborn minority can defy the wishes of a signficant majority.

i doubt that california would have its current water delivery system and state road network if these had been put to the voters and required a 2/3 approval.

the taxpayers did not reject proposition A; a vocal minority, using a california constitutional provision for super-majorities, did.

Oceansider wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:03 AM:There is absolutely nothing preventing proponents of the bond from making a donation equivalent to their yearly assessment to the TriCity hospital foundation. The amount is easy to calculate, and the donation can be designated for a specific purpose.

But hiding behind the 2/3 super-majority excuse? It's hard to pass a tax increase because it's SUPPOSED to be hard. Eliminate the 2/3 rule and watch how quickly politicians will seize the opportunity to destroy Prop. 13 outright. Careful what you wish for.

super-majority wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:21 AM:"It's hard to pass a tax increase because it's SUPPOSED to be hard. Eliminate the 2/3 rule and watch how quickly politicians will seize the opportunity to destroy Prop. 13 outright. Careful what you wish for."
Well said, Oceansider!

Nicodemus wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:49 AM:"Tri-City board backs administation after third bond loss." Sure, and the crewmen of the Titanic had faith in the captin of their ship. Leadership starts at the top. Get rid of the head (Gonzao) and the snake will die.

MARK wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:00 AM:All you need to do is go listen to the people. The leadrship and the board are the problem. If you want a bond to pass listen to the people who vote.
When you try to scare the the smart people. They see right through you. Like our hospital might close. This is far from the truth. As for the earth quake upgrades. If the the state can't help with that how will they enforce it, are they going to close all the hospitals that will not be up to code. Short answer is no....

Prop wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:02 AM:The destruction of Frpo 13 has already begun. With School Districts having the option of using Prop 58 that allow a 55% majority for passage of a bond, why would any ever consider a standard Prop 13 Bond? To make matters worse, districts such as Vista Unifed proposes a Prop 58 Bond, it then passed with greater than 2/3rds majority, and there were many who then argued that VUSD no longer had to follow Prop 58 as they now had a technical Prop 13 Bond. Thus, they have not followed the requirements set forth within Prop 58. Of course, either way VUSD has squandered the funds of teh Bond, failled to deliver on the promisses made to the voters who passed the bond, have over-run every project, with every project behind schedule, and all projects built to lesser quality standards than those promised when campaigning for the bond. With exampls such as these being set by our local School Districts would we ever be willing to give similar athority to a Hospital District? Both Districts provide for the Care of the citizens: one for their healt and the other for their children's and the country's future!

Obvious wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:26 AM:In November 4 of 7 Tri-City hospital board members are up for re-election. They are opposed by 4 challengers. If you truly feel the hospital is on the wrong track, here is your opportunity to change its direction!

John W. wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:31 AM:Glad the bond failed again. Heres a suggestion, quit spending money on full and half page ads in NCT and bond issues and television commercials and get rid of those high paid buffoons running the hospital and get a saving plan ,the community will be more supportive.

Oceansider wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:38 AM:Obvious is dead right. The TCMC board needs some housecleaning. That's what elections are for.

Let's suppose that Prop A had been included on the November ballot. Undoubtedly, voter turnout will be high for this presidential election. Now, with a higher voter turnout, the prop may have passed. And, if the voters also returned the board incumbents to office, THAT would count as a real vote of confidence in the hospital's governance and management.

Come November, the other shoe may drop. The Board is on notice. We voters continue to watch you.

To Floyd and the Rest wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:40 AM:Where do you people come up with these imaginary numbers 1 billion in revenue Floyd are you kidding me?

This is a district Community Hospital. That in itself is a rare commodity. Not a lot of community hospitals left.

I see a lot of folks so angry at the hospital board, its funny cause 99% of the voting district has no clue who is even on the board.

I see plenty of complaints about the board but no one saying they are going to run for one of the elected seats on the board and start changing things...Easier just to sit back and complain.

I have seen complaints about how overpaid nurses and ceo's are.
Almost any CEO makes at least 500k per year and thats low, nurses make an average of 80-100k per year. Too much money you say?, for someone who is taking care of you and literally holds your life in their hands...yeah prob too much...better to pay sports players millions or even the league minimum of 300k, they are worth far more than someone who actually saves your life.

Why spend 650 million on a retrofit.....ummmm state mandated or the place has to shut down in a few years. Is it all for retro-fit? of course not its new buildings and infrastructure plus new equipment.

Sell to a private buyer I see alot.....Yep we could do that if someone was willing to buy the place and then foot the bill for the retro-fit which would still have to be done.

A private buyer brings their own problems though....while they have to treat "all" emergent patients thru the E.R. due to federal law; they do not have to accept all insurances such as medicare or medicaid....older people on social security please find somewhere else to go....a private owned "for profit" hospital also does not have to support any of the outreach programs such as hospice or vista community clinic....definitely non money makers so they need to go.......free senior fitness classes....no more......

I see a ton of folks complaining that the hospital treats illegals in its emergency room.....wow thats a shocker....news flash so does every other hospital in the nation....its federal law......seek congress for a remedy to that

I noticed that Tri-City a comuunity non-profit hospital finally made a profit this year of somewhere between 6-10 million this year and yet they are getting blasted for it. So even with supporting and funding outreach programs and losing tons of money to people not paying their bills from E.R. vistis; hospital still managed to show a profit.....that smells of mismanagement of funds to me and I demand an investigation!!!!!

I also see Joe B who doesnt even live in the district leading the charge with another doctor who works at a competing facility......no collusion there perfectly normal......

You know we can fix a lot of things nowdays, broken arms, borken buidlings with retro-fits, non liked board memebers by voting them out, even non liked ceo's by voting them out

.......we just cant fix stupid....and sadly that is the leaders of the "vote no" crowd were depending on.............

What wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:10 AM:Admin keeps backing the board or should I say 'we'll go down with the ship cap't.'. After failed attempts, only a fool would continue along the same path. To do so will only bring more contempt from the taxpayer,

Get a clue wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:16 AM:People will not continue to throw good money after bad. Close the place down and then vote for a bond to rebuild. People will vote yes once you have dumped the people who have made tri-city the dump that it is. Sure, there are a few good people doing their best, but for the most part the place is trash. Don't blame the economy. If people were happy with the service and care they would have voted yes.

Floyd wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:29 AM:If the $1 billion in gross income is "imaginary", then the problem is worse than we thought. That number comes from the hospital's budget document.

Wake Up People wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:36 AM:Tri-Cait can not get the extension because the buildings are to old to qualify. It is a shame you can have 62% of the community backing you and still not pass the bond. Of course this doctor spear heading the NO campaign does not want the bond to pass he needs job security plus is not a resident of the district. Palomar ER wait times exceed Tri-City by about 2 hours, once Tri-City closes where do you plan on going? Good Luck waiting maybe at that time you will realize how stupid your decision was. A miracle will happen with or without the support for the 19,000 that voted No. For the 32,000+ that voted yes Tri-City will be here for you.

To To Floyd and the rest wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:02 AM:Well said To Floyd and the Rest!
It's upsetting to see such aggressive words towards Tri-City who has so much talent with it Staff & Administration, people who dedicate their lives to saving and helping others. What's more important than the health and well being of our loved ones?

To Floyd wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:25 AM:Gross income is a far cry from net. How much do you make a year and how much do you actually get to keep and take home "after" you pay all your bills? Yeah thats what I thought...

Paula wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:06 PM:I am an employee of Tri City Medical Center and yes our bond was defeated. I understand things are tight in everyones budgets because of the economy.It is not suprising that people are not thinking about a new hospital, but for goodness sake, you all sound like you have a personal vendetta for each employee. I take offense to many of the comments being made about our hospital and staff. Your beef is not a general beef but sounds like there are many with personal issues with a few chosen people. I am proud of my hospital and the care we provide to our patients. I think many in the community won't deny that they have been at the receiving end of good quality care from a staff that truly cares about patients. So, when your being quick to judge on what a disgrace we are or how crooked we are, remember all of the good people that work at TCMC and the work that is done here. That should be worth something and an indicator of how much we care about our hospital,our patients and the community.

Brad from Vista wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:09 PM:I voted no, but I don't count myself among the opponents commenting here. Let's be clear:
1. we *want* a community hospital. Can you read between the lines of privatization? It means poor service and service denied -- that's how the "investors" make their money back. Or, it means shenanigans with insurance companies. Either way is not sustainable and we don't want it.
2. deny service to "illegals"? NO! What is wrong with you people? Are you Christians? Then look to your good book and read the story about the good Samaritan.
3. Taxpayers will be happy and proud to support a well run hospital. We own it, let's pay for it.
4. Ultimately, there were too many questions to support this bond. It's much cheaper to pay as we go anyway. We'll get the needed waivers from the state and find a way to continue the long history of community service.

Floyd wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:22 PM:Net income is how much money you have left over after the bills are paid. The cost of reconstruction is one of those bills. You will have less net income, but that's what happens when you pay your bills. As a government entity, Tri City Hospital should have zero net income instead of 10+ million. Here's the point: Tri City Hospital has enough money coming in to fully fund the repairs from current receipts but refuses to do so. That's why the voters said no.

Never had a chance wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:41 PM:The poor way that Palomar Pomerado Health handled the funds that it received from Prop BB has made it impossible for other hospitals to get bonds passed. Way to go Mr. Covert.

RN wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:44 PM:Wow, heartbreaking to sit here and read from so many angry people how "terrible the care is at TCMC." When I go back to work on Friday I will still hold the hand of my dying patient, I will still comfort his wife that holds the other. I will still perform my job to the best of my ability as I was trained to do. So much of nursing is not just what we learned in school but it is the compassion and the emotion that I put into my job. No one can be taught that, that comes from the person that you are.
So having said this, do I know what my future holds at TCMC, "No I don't". Am I worried about this, maybe a little. I am not worried because I won't have a job, I am worried that there is the potential my community and my family won't have a community hospital. Life goes on with each day being a new one. I will work on Friday just as I worked the day before the vote. Nothing has changed for me and the way I care for my patients. So many negative things said about the care provided to them, I have a file full of grateful patient cards and letters that I have received over the years of those I have cared for. So to all my fellow nurses out there who may be reading some of these blogs, keep doing what we do each and everyday. Remember there is a reason that we became Nurses in the first place. We are appreciated by many and those are the ones that keep me doing what I do. God Bless to all!

gracchus wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:52 PM:oceansider at 8:03 a.m. has an interesting proposal. he suggests that those who supported a bond for the necessary improvements on the hospital voluntarily pay more taxes. if we do that, oceansider, will you acknowledge that you are not paying your full share of taxes to support the hospital, and that if you or your family ever ever require its services you will then pay an extra user's fee for those services?

i think that such an exchange might be enticing to some people. but i don't think that the idea is good public policy.

the bond was to pay for necessary structurtal improvements. discussion of an incompetent board of trustees and administrative staff and use of services by illegals is irrelevant. more than 62% of the taxpayers wanted to make those structural improvements. and a minority thwarted the will of the majority. any comments suggesting that the people have spoken on the issue is disingenuous: a minority of voters has spoken.

LOOK wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:57 PM:It's not my responsibility to pay for a hospital that everyone can use If everyone does not pay for it.. If it is than i want a fast pass everytime i need to use TCH. Because if i am paying i am not waiting to be seen....

Another Taxing Prop. wrote on Aug 28, 2008 1:46 PM:I voted NO and didn't even read the mail in ballot. I'm just too tired and over taxed. No more taxes, no sales tax increase, no taxes on services we're done. The citizens of California are now reaching the tax rates of socialist Europe. The first solution to our problems is not through taxation. Try cutting a few costs. Try eliminating non-revenue gernerating services.

To John W. wrote on Aug 28, 2008 1:51 PM:We would just like them to cut the television commercials. The full and half page ads are still ok.

NTC Sales

To RN wrote on Aug 28, 2008 4:19 PM:I actually posted this in response to some citing a bad experience on another article, but maybe it will help make you smile because some of us really do appreciate having Tri-City nearby:

My family had the need for Tri City ER about a year ago. We were there late in the afternoon on a Saturday and were one of only 3 or 4 other people there. We got right in, x-rayed & seen by a doctor pretty quickly. We were probably there about 30 minutes or so longer than really seemed necessary and the attending doc was definitely overpaid (based on the time he spent with us). But overall I found the bill to be reasonable for the injury being treated, the staff was friendly and the facilities were clean and we got 20% off the bill for paying cash. Even the follow up care was both excellent and well priced.

I honestly don't understand why people hate that place so much. My experience there was far superior to any other hospital I've ever been to.

To Paula wrote on Aug 28, 2008 4:40 PM:We have nothing but respect for the employees of the hospital. We don't respect the board or the CEO. Do you realize when you go to the ER your insurance that covers Tri City often doesn't cover the phsyicians? That the anesthesiologists aren't covered by many medical plans? Tell that to a patient who has to use these 'services'. Until the board renogotiates contracts with phsycians who are covered by our insurance we don't want any part of this hospital or its massive bonds! And while I'm at it, they need to incorporate more of the areas who are using the hospital into the district!

wow wrote on Aug 28, 2008 4:53 PM:Just imagine if the hospital was allowed to reject service to all the people that voted no to the prop. A...
The hospital by law is not allowed to turn away anyone that is in need of medical help. This is a community hospital that has been serving this comunity since 1957. A hospital that has at one point saved one of your family members or friends or even has helped be a remedy to your health. May it be with having a child or some type of surgery or even an x-ray. I'm sure that everyone has been served and if not yet, one day you will be walking through those doors to visit or to get some type of service from their caring profesional staff and services.

The one time the community has asked for some type of assistance your say no... Fine.

Feel free to come into this hospital and think about that one time that you could of made it better and helped out. Or if when the hospital is gone and there was no hospital around, you think about where to go and why isn't there a place nearby. Think about when you used to have Tri City at your reach and how good they treated you.

BURDEN wrote on Aug 28, 2008 5:15 PM:I WILL NEVER SUPPORT A PLAN THAT PLACES THE BURDEN ON THE BACK OF THE HOMEOWNER WHILE THE BENEFITS ARE REAPED BY ALL. COME UP WITH A PLAN THAT IS FAIR TO ALL!

To Never Had a Chance wrote on Aug 28, 2008 5:28 PM:that is a good point.
We've also seen what's happened with local school bond money. Once the cash starts flowing, for ANY project, what we get and what we taxpayers agreed to pay for don't quite match up. Did they think we wouldn't notice? Or just not care? How can I not notice or care when I'm going to be paying for the danged thing for half of my life? No wonder taxpayers are so distrustful of bonds.

To Floyd wrote on Aug 28, 2008 5:45 PM:Wow, dont even know how to respond. A bigger idiot I doubt I have met. The hospital makes a profit for the 1st time in 5-6 yrs and that equates to they can fully fund everything on their own. Since you are slow I will spell it out for you PUBLIC HOSPITAL funded by PUBLIC FUNDS, in a perfect world they have zero balance left at the end of each fiscal year after using all funds to pay bills and support all programs. Since its not a perfect world they are usually short by a bit, this year they actually made a profit and need less public funding for the routine stuff. A retro-fit is anything but routine as is building new buildings.

But like you say since they dont need money from you they have their own, then they also dont need you please find somewhere else for healthcare when you are sick or dying....

I am sick and tired of everyone wanting something for nothing you want a cumminity hospital and you want to use it but dont want to support it. Wake up life doesnt work that way!!

Remember that wrote on Aug 28, 2008 6:24 PM:sadly, only 38% of eligible taxpayers even voted! It was 62% of that pitiful amount who supported this prop, NOT 62% of the taxpayers. There's a huge difference between the two. Heck, at least the people who voted, be it yay or nay, CARED. Clearly the majority of taxpayers didn't give a flying you know what about this issue. Couldn't be bothered to mark a lousy ballot and toss it in a mailbox or drop it off. That's the saddest thing about this issue, imo.

To Gracchas wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:11 PM:Supposed if Prop. A passed, will TriCity have a system to charge those who do not pay this tax more?

Since Prop. A did not pass, those who have already committed to pay more can do so as an annual donation, not a tax. It is a win-win, why are you complaining?

Once again, 34,000 yes votes out of 140,000 voters are not majority.

For 3 years, TriCity board and execs cannot even manage to pass a bond, why should anyone even think they can manage a TajMahal construction while taking care of all patients?

Insanity wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:14 PM:The definition of Insanity:
'doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results'

Put all the insane execs. in the hospital, oh wait, they already are in TriCity

th bond in Nov. wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:24 PM:Can't wait for TriCity to put the bond back in Nov. for the 4th time. Pitting the young Obama crowd against the senior citizens....

TriCity has relentlessly called its senior citizen supporters this time, even have volunteers and hospital staff illegally delivered ballots committing voter frauds.

wonder which group is going to prevail in Nov.??

community hospital wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:29 PM:We all want a good hospital. Who cares if it is a community hospital? Community for the illegals? Call it whatever you want,
Just do it right and leave the taxpayers alone.

A th tax attempt wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:10 PM:Bring it on! I got another "NO" vote in me!!!

Best idea: Close the hospital district and sell it to a private enterprise. Nice attempt by the above know-it-all to scare older folks into thinking that private hospitals don't accept medicare. Know-it-all is one of the "sky-is-falling" crowd who uses half-truths to get 62% of voters to buy into his tax. I can name many private hospitals that take medicare. Can you name one (other than Kaiser) that does not???

If Know-it-all (and those of the same ilk) really loves TCMC so much, why don't you do a charitable remainder trust for them? You know, leave your estate to TCMC. Are you worried that they may just dispose of you a bit early should you need their services? Judging from their deceitful trickery with this mail-only ballot, I'd say they want your cash any way they can get it!

Last question to Know-it-all: Who ponied up the $600,000 for your failed campaign. That wouldn't be the construction/staffing companies lining up like pigs at the trough if your tax had passed, would it?

To wow wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:15 PM:"The one time the community has asked for some type of assistance your say no... Fine."

Dude, can you even count past one?

this is wow wrote on Aug 29, 2008 1:29 PM:to "to wow"
That is why it is a proposition.
You are suppose to attempt more then once.
But it tricity is not good enough and people complain and have alot of bad things to say about tri-city. Then maybe it doesn't need a renovation.
Tri City needs to improve and rebuild to be up to standards. All I know is that there are many people that care and live day by day taking care of patients there. So many volunters that look foward to coming in everyday to make a difference in the lifes of the patients.

But yeah, go to Palomar and wait way more many hours there in the ER and drive out of your way to get there.

It is just better to have your own community hospital. Too bad not all of the eligible voters put in their votes. One way or another Tri City will find a way. Then everyone can continue going there.