I served on the San Mateo County Grand Jury that investigated and issued a report critical of the Sequoia Healthcare District. If elected, I will push for adoption by the District of the recommendations contained in the grand jury report as described below.
Pursuant to state law, the District can make an annual request to forgo receipt of future tax revenues which would reduce taxpayers' property taxes. This is appropriate since the District no longer owns or operates a hospital and has accumulated large reserves.
The District should develop a plan for the use of its accumulated cash reserves, now in excess of $41 million, that would best serve the healthcare needs of our community. It is essential that the District take into consideration the input of its residents as to what those needs are.
In addition, the District has taken on a philanthropic role, using tax revenues to make grants to charitable agencies. This is a function that was never presented to the voters for their approval and should be discontinued until there is voter agreement to have such grants made.
The District should not be dissolved as there are several reasons for its continued existence. First, in order to effect a reduction in property tax, the District must request on an annual basis that it not receive its allocable share of tax revenues. Second, if the District were to be dissolved, the accumulated reserves and other assets would be forfeited to the state and county. It is better to keep the money for use in the local community. Finally, the five board members of the District also serve on the ten-member board of Sequoia Hospital. This allows for representatives, elected by the community, to have a voice in the operation of the hospital. Many District residents are concerned with the operation and future viability of Sequoia Hospital. It is imperative that there be some degree of local participation.
The District needs to communicate honestly with the community and be open to public input and criticism. It has ignored the recommendations of two civil grand juries and misinformed the public. I want to correct that.
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