Letter to the Editor: Why I'm running

(Note: Since Jim Tweedy is an actual candidate and not just a supporter of a candidate, decorahnews.com has offered the other three candidates for Winneshiek Medical Center Board a chance to also submit a letter to the editor.  decorahnews.com neither supports nor opposes Mr. Tweedy's candidacy)

I want to express my desire to serve this community as an elected member of the Winneshiek Medical Center Board of Trustees.  Not having the longevity of many of the residents of this community, I wanted to briefly share some information about me and my rationale for seeking this critical position.

My wife and I moved here seven years ago from Minneapolis. It was a coming home for my wife whose family has lived in the Decorah area for generations.  Like many of the residents of the county and surrounding area, my family and I are interested in maintaining access to high quality medical services provided right here in our community. I am concerned that the conflicts among the different community health care organizations could result in a reduction in the availability and or quality of medical services in our community.  The backbone of any vibrant and productive community is access to affordable, high quality healthcare.  It is my purpose and objective to see that this necessary collaboration among Winneshiek Medical Center, Mayo Health System, Gunderson Lutheran and the Family Care Clinic is achieved through the leadership of the Winneshiek Medical Center. After all, the Winneshiek Medical Center is owned and governed by us, the residents of Winneshiek County.

For the past 38 years, I have worked in the healthcare industry establishing community collaborations and partnerships with various competing health care organizations both large and small. The consistent focus and outcome of these collaborations was to listen, understand and meet the needs of the communities served.

I am confident that my experience as a provider, administrator and Lawyer will add value as a board trustee in pursuit of our vision to provide quality health care services and programs throughout our region by working collaboratively to serve our rural communities.  The challenges in healthcare are significant; however, the rewards are even greater. It would be my privilege to serve this community as an elected board member of the Winneshiek Medical Center.