By PETER HUSSMANN
The two new Skiff trustee board members voiced their appreciation to the voters of the community for electing them to office on Tuesday and vowed to work diligently to right the financially-troubled city-owned hospital.
Voters in Newton elected Lois Vogel, the former Skiff vice president of patient care, and Dr. Gary Richardson, a local surgeon, to four-year terms on the board. The two were elected from among six candidates seeking the two open seats currently held by Gary Kahn and John Lee.
Both candidates expressed appreciation to voters.
"I appreciate the support from the people who voted for me," Richardson said. "The voters said they wanted to see change at the hospital, have it brought back to the way it was operated successfully under Ron Ross, open things up and do away with the secrecy. I'll do my darnedest to make that happen."
"I am really pleased to be elected to the board of trustees," Vogel said. "I appreciate the overwhelming support and am eager to help with the issues facing Skiff. I want to thank all those that voted for me and gave me support during the election. I know many of the Skiff employees supported me in the election, and I just hope my election will help their morale at this time, when they are facing layoffs, reduction of hours and working with the stresses of the past months."
Richardson and Vogel said they are pleased they will be allowed to give input and be involved during the interviews next week of the four finalists for the CEO position at the hospital. Both said hiring the right candidate is crucial.
"I am glad to hear the board plans to let the newly elected trustees meet the CEO candidates," Vogel said. "Hiring the right person for this key position is so important, and rebuilding the right leadership at Skiff."
Vogel said she will begin immediately to prepare herself to assume her position on the board in January.
"I am hoping to meet individually with the current board members and get an update from them on issues and current goals," she said. "I want to be involved in board decisions, and strategic planning as the end of the year approaches, prior to taking office."
Richardson and Vogel said they want to work toward ensuring that Skiff remains a strong, viable entity for the community for years to come.
"I am so proud of our hospital and the asset it has always been to our community," Vogel said. "I believe it will remain a strong and viable facility that will continue to serve patients with high quality care."
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