For the 2021 Voters Guide, we emailed candidates a set of questions on professional experience, local priorities and general issues. We have included those questions and the unedited responses. We have noted when candidates left questions unanswered. We have also provided links to candidate websites, campaign funding reports and other local media coverage when available.
Any questions or suggestions should be sent to: whitmancowatch@gmail.com
CANDIDATE BACKGROUND
Official county Voters Pamphlet statement
Public candidate forum on Oct. 12 (League of Women Voters of Pullman)
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would you describe your current occupation or job title(s)?
Currently I work For MyOffice Bar and Grill. I mostly love it, but it is a job. Previously, I have worked all around town including PRH as an evening cook for 3 years, an at home caregiver for adults with disabilities, and many other restaurants around town. My current job as cook allows me a lot of free time before and after work to spend on the community. Planned meetings may take an adjustment, but management trusts and knows it’s for a purpose. Do I love it; not really. But does it pay the bills until I find my calling? The answer is yes.
What other memberships or community affiliations would you like to share with voters?
Having been raised in this community, I have done many service projects, mostly through the Boy Scouts. Planting trees, clearing trash, you name it. But dearest to my heart was building a trail because it needed to be done. Yes it helped my daily life, but it also enhanced many others. It needed to be done and no one else was going to do it. Im happy to say, that path is used every day and the upkeep takes care of itself. I’m always looking for new projects of the sort, it brings me joy.
What, if any, charities, political campaigns, or nonprofits have you donated money or volunteer hours to in the past year?
I have donated a few times to the Bernie Sanders campaign, and several more times to friends in need via GoFundMe. I don’t mind giving what little income I have to organizations and people that need it, what I do mind is people begging for money because of an accident and they can’t afford healthcare. Friends and family should NOT be responsible for outrageous hospital debt just to be healthy. The problem arises when a sick person arrives at the hospital and the illness was preventable, but they were too afraid of losing their life savings so they ignored it. I’ve seen it too many times and it needs to change.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
Every job I’ve had I have become the team leader. When I worked with adults with disabilities I struggled, found new ways to do things and became the team leader. When I worked at the hospital I put my head down, had my coworkers’ backs and became the team leader. When I worked for college chefs which staged me in various sororities, I became the team leader. I keep finding myself wanting a better system and ending up on top; simply because I see a better way and execute.
What is your vision for Pullman Regional Hospital as an organization and why?
Pullman Regional Hospital doesn’t need help or revisiosion, PRH needs unity. Everything is carpmenalized and because of that, workers don’t feel they have a voice. I Would ask each department lead to have a weekly meeting to voice concerns as well as praise for those going above and beyond. That second part happens all the time and no one hears about it. It would do wonders for morale, turns out morale is at an all time low. My suggestion would be to listen to these people, give it a thought and make positive change. It sounds easy writing the words down but it’s not that hard. In two weeks you could have a fully functioning, happy hospital.
What are the most important steps the hospital board has taken to support staff and operations during the pandemic?
The Hospital did a wonderful job when the Pandemic hit. No one knew what to do, but the Hospital Board made a decision to mandate masks, cut elective surgeries and buckle down. Most of us suffered pay cuts, loss of hours but we all were okay with it if it meant we were being safe. After a time, the free pizza started drying up and this covid thing seemed to be going on TOO LONG. I hate it, you hate it, it sucks. But I believe the hospital board made the best decision right from the start. They also took kindly and handed out a bonus of 500 dollars thanking us for sticking through it. The hospital will always remain a happy place in my heart.
How is Pullman Regional Hospital unique and how would you try to leverage its strengths?
I have many answers to this but I will refrain and only talk PRH’s strengths. Pullman Regional is a wonderful place, in fact my brother just had a baby there mid august and it all went so well. People come to PRH for really good care and trust. The trust part I am worried about; How can we have doors open while kicking people out? I realize Covid is a factor, but it hurts the heart. I honestly don’t know what to do about that save what’s been already done. It still hurts the heart though.
What is the worst decision or biggest opportunity the board has missed the past five years?
I think the worst opportunity was not getting the levee passed. I know Megan tried hard, she had boots on the ground but it wasn’t enough. Getting people to care takes a lot of effort, and I can guarantee a way to do it. It’s simple, we talk to the masses. A simple viral video and it’s done. All of a sudden people care. We can do that on the weekend if you’re interested. No offense to Megan, I just know the people.
What do you think will be the most significant challenge or threat that Pullman Regional Hospital will face in the next five years?
The most significant threat to the hospital is covid, and will be for some time. The second most significant threat is morale, it’s at an all time low. What do we do? Pay people better, starting today. We have the money, I’ve seen the numbers, let’s just do it! You will keep retention, and if you make a big show about it, morale will go up. I’m telling you, morale is in the dumps. People don’t need a reason to quit, they need a reason to stay.
Are you vaccinated against COVID-19?
Yes, twice.
Do you support COVID-19 vaccine mandates? Why or why not?
I do. I also support people who don’t want it, whether for religious rights or stupidity, it is their right. However, I do believe the vaccine is the way out of this, and I would love it if everyone partook. The vaccine is as dangerous as a seat belt, you have the choice not to put it on, but please do.
How do you think the pandemic will change how people view health care and public health? Has it changed how you see it?
I truly believe we as a society need “free” healthcare. I know there are costs, but the simple act of allowing a sick person to get into an ambulance to save their life is huge. And no worries about up front pay. Getting sick, or a loved one can ruin a family’s financial standing. We need quarterly check ups with doctors and we need preventive care. Otherwise, Every doctor visit is a death sentence.
What, if anything, would you change to make the hospital board more transparent or to improve communication with the public?
Scott does a really good job, as does the board. However, transparency only exists within certain groups. And that becomes scary when a Pandemic is going on. Too many times we have endangered a host by walking into a patient’s room only to find out we had no business going there. No paper work on the door, no conversation. That is a super easy fix. My idea would be a come to Jesus moment, where we have a sit down and figure out what works and what doesn’t. No more sick staff!
If you could wave a magic wand and instantly change one thing about Pullman Regional Hospital, what would it be and why?
If I had the power to change anything I would do one thing, fire [name redacted*]. She is a plague in the hospital and she needs to go. I loved my job for a time, but then as the months went on, I developed a complex. I found out later it wasn’t just me. I shouldn’t groan and hate life before starting a shift, but I did, and so did everyone else. When i left late may, it was scary. I didn’t have another job lined up, I didn’t know! But then my girlfriend quit, two others, until eventually 12 people quit, because of her. Get rid of her, she’s hurting the hospital. Honestly this is why I decided to run, I may have a shot at taking her down. And believe me when I say, I don’t want to take anyone’s job away, I really don’t. Except her. She’s a bad manager and a worse person and she has kicked out or fired a lot of really good people. We can talk about who fills the void.
*Editor’s Note: Because this named individual would not have a chance to respond to this public criticism, Whitman County Watch requested the candidate revise the response or redact the person’s name. The candidate chose to redact the name.