When will MPH saga cease? Public deserves to know. Headline from the Page 5 editorial in the June 20 edition of the Madison Journal. On the streets now... The citizen’s of Madison Parish deserve the right to know. Or at least we think so. The welfare and concerns of the public is the primary mission of a Newspaper. It is our responsibility to look out for those who don’t have time to make the meetings or go to all the events and games, and to keep everyone informed as to the happenings in Madison Parish, past and present. Let us begin at the recent past. Just less than a year ago, a Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s report cited former Madison Parish Hospital Administrator, Wendell Alford, in an exhaustive audit - a precedent setting type investigation - documenting more the $5 Millions dollars of public money allegedly wasted.* A little over six months ago, former MPHadministrator Paula Walker, who was hired to replace Alford, resigns amidst a public controversy including an appearance at the Madison Parish Police Jury of two now former employees of the hospital - in a crowed room - who detailed their displeasure at the way Walker was running the show. That spiraled into a heated meeting of the Madison Parish Hospital Service District Board that - if you can believe - topped that. If you doubt this, go listen to the tapes. We were there. When Scott Barrilleaux was brought on board by the newly installed five member MPHSBboard, led by MPHSBPresident Thomas Joe Williams with board members Tom Bartholomew, Sandra Gary Smith, Dr. Wade Brown and coach Jhonny Ford, everyone felt a bit of relief. Anxiety level was diminished in the halls of MPH. For a short while only, apparently... There’s little questioning this stability was helpful as the audit was completed by the LLA. Facts are, however, Walker, more than anyone, helped MPH through the toughest part of the process. We were hopeful when Barrilleaux was able to withstand the early pressures of taking the drama-riddled CEO position, getting grilled by the MPPJ, and put on the spot at public meetings like the Chamber of Commerce, that he could withstand the nonsense that pushed Walker out. Perhaps, he was wise enough to sign a multi-year contract. Unfortunately, because of the basic lack of transparency in dealing with MPH, no one has a clue about that. Which brings us to the heart of this matter. Lack of transparency in dealing with public money - again - and the documentation - or reasoning - as to why Barrilleaux was put on a 10-day paid leave in the first place. No one thinks that, in light of recent developments at the CEOposition of the hospital -- one of the largest Parish employers and a safety net and haven for all its citizens -- we should question the actions of the MPHSB? Or, more precisely, receive answers. We’ve reported the existence of a letter from MPHCFOBarbara Tabor that spurred the resignation. Per La. Law, Tabor now is shielded by the ‘whistleblower’ statute. I have read the letter. Before the MPHSBtakes action, I think the public should, too. This story was written Monday, 8:30, June 17. *The investigation into the revelations produced by the LLA’s office is continuing, but in a June 12 story from Barbara Leader, The News Star, Monroe, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook responded that the matter is under investigation and his office has no comment. Additionally, MPH has filed suit against those named in the LLA’s report. No date has been set for the cases.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:18:24 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015