Ms. Gutierrez had every legal right to run for a seat on the Board. She also has “earned” that right to sit on that Board by winning overwhelmingly her district’s trust and support. As far as the United Health Center in Earlimart being a competitor, there is more than enough medical services need to go around even if the hospital was still up and running. Things change over time and hospitals more and more have competing competition when it comes to providing services to communities. Tulare itself has outside labs, x-ray facilities, etc. that work independent of TRMC. That said, I fully support having a financially solvent full service working hospital in Tulare. I hope this current Board is successful in bringing that about. I also hope this current Board is willing and open to working outside the box if push comes to shove on how best to use and repurpose the existing hospital buildings and its grounds IF the reopening of TRMC does not prove to be obtainable.

Quote: “The V V does a great job covering the board meetings and hospital issues so people dont necessarily need to be personally present to form an opinion and suggest changes.” I totally agree with this statement. In fact I find that your entire post has merit. If no one ever asks the hard questions then there is a greater likelihood of history repeating itself as far as financial solvency goes. Better intentions does not necessarily guarantee better results.

That said, the current management interim company is getting paid plenty for managing the status quo. Keeping a few people employed. Some of them are even obstructionist. Board would be wise to consider hiring their own CEO who might have more incentive in developing the district business whether its in the hospital or otherwise. The present caretakers will do nothing of the sort. They are just babysitters.

Thank God YOU are still posting in the newspaper comment sections! Looking forward to seeing YOUR name on a Tulare ballot this fall. 🙂

And if the hospital cannot be reopened what then Lisa? No Plan B’s????? I am assuming that members of the board follow the Valley Voice closely as the majority of Tulareans seen to be reading it more so than probably VTD. If they take the time to read the comments being posted then they are indeed being presented with ideas and opinions from the very people they represent. There are many who are not able to physically attend pubic meetings but can and do share their thoughts and opinions online. So dear Lisa commentators are indeed putting up their comments and ideas for anyone who takes the time to read the Valley Voice (apparently much like you do), which hopefully includes hospital board members. Perhaps we will see your name on a ballot this fall.