Supervisorial Candidates Mixed On Tuolumne General Hospital Issue

Sonora, CA — The seven supervisorial candidates appearing before the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce during Candidates Night Monday were mixed on the highly controversial Tuolumne General Hospital issue.

Second District Supervisor Paolo Maffei declined to express an opinion as he is one of the four county supervisors, who at the earliest, would only make his vote known at the conclusion of today´s Beilenson Hearing scheduled for a 2PM start at the County Administration Center.

Maffei´s opponent in the Second District race, Larry Sidmore, would only comment to the extent that staff would have to be reduced if T.G.H. is to remain a viable entity in the community.

The Third District candidates expressed the following perspectives: Chuck Kiel; Acute care services need to be terminated … Ronald Hamilton; Futher study must be completed before a final decision is made … Phillip Balbuena; Place the issue before a public vote … Teri Murrison; Failed to present an opinion except to say she would be willing to abide with whatever decision is made … Robert Fulcher; Keep T.G.H. open under the following conditions: Impose proper accounts receivable methodology and charge other counties who wish to make use of T.G.H. …

Written by Bill Johnson