Profession: Firefighter, Paramedic, Photographer, Property Manager
Age: 44
Where do you live? Aspen, at the Twin Ridge Townhouses, which are across the street from AVH
How long have you lived in the valley? I was born and raised here in Aspen, so more than 40 years.
In what capacity have you used AVH? How would you rate your experience and why? I have been a patient. My patient care was outstanding, but the post-hospital experience was miserable at best.
To read the full list of questions and answers, and hear the audio portion, click here.
What compelled you to run for a board seat? I feel there’s an ever increasing distance between hospital administration and the community they serve. I would like to bridge that gap and restore AVH back to being a trusted organization in our community.
Have you ever attended a board meeting? If so, for what reason? If no, why not? No, I have not. The current board spends much of their meetings in executive sessions, which are closed to the public. That is the first thing I’d like to change.
What makes you qualified to serve? This is a community hospital, and it should be led by members of the community. I live, work and am raising a family here. I am a firefighter and a paramedic and I have seen how hospitals work all across this state and in other states as well. The board sets the vision and the strategic goals for the hospital administration to fulfill. I will watch over taxpayer money to ensure your taxes are spent and for the right reasons.
What is the most important issue facing AVH? Healthcare in general? How will you address it? There is a wide and dangerous gap between the hospital and the community that supports it. I want to fix that by being a voice for citizens on the board. Hospital facilities, their growth and how they are going to be a benefit to the community is another major issue. The most important issue for healthcare in general is the ever-increasing cost of insurance and care. Why do we pay the highest premiums in the state? I believe the hospital can lead the way out of this situation by finding local and state solutions. One such solution could be to dissolve the different rate districts upon which insurance premiums are based within the state. If I am elected, I will be willing to try new and creative solutions for issues facing the healthcare industry.
The biggest job in front of the board of directors is to hire a CEO. What does the ultimate candidate look like? Is a local candidate who knows the community and hospital preferable? The candidate must be compassionate, business savvy, have a desire to be a part of the community he or she serves, and able to lead a large organization. A local candidate could be a strong contender if they have the right skills and attitude.
What do you want voters to know about you? I am an Aspen native who is disappointed when my friends, family and neighbors are scared to use the hospital they pay taxes to. AVH has an amazing team of medical professionals — doctors, nurses and technicians — who are not afraid to stand next to their fellow citizens during that citizens’ worst day. They will work hard for you to set you on a path for healing. The trouble comes in for most of us after leaving the hospital. That is the part that leaves a lasting impression. Hospital billing is controlled by a company based in Mumbai, India that doesn’t understand our community and individual needs here. Elect me to bring a more local focus to the hospital.