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Viewpoints Houston Times -Journal P. O. Drawer M • 807 Carroll Street • Perry, Ga. 31069 Ph0ne:(912)987-1823 Th# Houston Tlmss-Joumal (USPS 000471) Is published semi-weekly for SIB.OO per year by Houston Publications, Inc., 807 Carroll Street, Perry, Ga. 31069. Second Class Postage paid at Perry, Ga., POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Houston Times-Journal, P. O. Drawer M, Perry, Qa. 31069. ISSN: 1075-1874 Bob Tribble, President Jim Kerce, Editor and General Manager Eddie Byrd, Advertising Manager News: Pauline Lewis, Veto Roley. Composition: Lori Simpson. Classified Advertising: Melanie Bullington. Bookkeeping: Judy Morrow. Our view County should review method used to oversee our hospitals We were virtually at a loss for words after learning of the Houston County Hospital Authority recently hiring an administrator to oversee local medical services at a salary of $215,000 per year. The news was especially stunning in view of the fact the decision was made and the massive salary granted with absolutely no public knowledge or input. When the newly-hired Houston Healthcare Complex administrator, Dr. Eugene R. McDannald Jr., comes on board Nov. 1, he will oversee the county's two hospitals and other medical services at a salary which is over twice the amount paid to the previous HMC administrator, Karl Weinmeister. At best, we believe the authority used poor judgment in doubling the salary. At worst, it displayed a total disregard for residents of a county which is struggling under a tax cap to provide funds for services to its residents. But, since authority members are appointed by the Houston County Commission—not elected by the public —and have to answer to no one, they can do as they please. That includes paying out a whopping $215,(X)() yearly for an administrator for our public health care complex. As a profitable operation, it would seem reasonable that excess funds generated by the HMC be used to support other county services, rather than high-paid employees. In view of the authority’s questionable decision in hiring the new administrator, perhaps it is time for the commission to review the way HMC is overseen with an eye toward making those who oversee the complex more accountable to those taxpayers who own the facilities. Enjoy the Georgia National Fair With the Georgia National Fair entering its final days, we remind readers that the event provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some of the best entertainment available anywhere. As is past years, the 1994 edition of the state fair is an outstanding event, which provides a wide range of activities for all ages. Those attending the fair can enjoy attractions ranging from agricultural exhibits, arts and crafts displays, animal shows and concerts to tasty foods and one of America's best midways. With just a few days to go until its Sunday closing, we encourage everyone to go out to the Agricenter and enjoy one of the best events available anywhere. Another view Issue a 'Mayday' on hospital Sunday we reported die Houston County Hospital Authority had hired a replacement for former Hospital Administrator, Karl Weinmeister. Karl left several months ago to administer another hospital in Oklahoma. When he left Warner Robins as Administrator of our hospital he was paid SIOO,OOO per year. Eugene R. McDannald Jr. is the new Chief Executive Officer of the Houston Healthcare Complex and his salary will be $215,000 per year with a car allowance of SIOO per week and who knows what else (moving expenses, living expenses, etc., etc.). It’s just incredible. It’s just unbelievable. Where is all the money coming from? Most of us are trying to stay in business with “downsizing”, wage freezes, hiring freezes, and a hope and a prayer. Not to worry. The Hospital has found a money tree. As taxpayers, we pay the hospital hundreds of thousands of dollars for indigent care, we subsidize the ambulance service, and our county commissioners appoint die Hospital Authority to protect our tax dollars. Most of us can’t even imagine being paid $215,000 a year, that’s $4,134.62 a week and it doesn’t include the perks. Mayday for sure! Guess what one member of the Houston County Commission told me, “Don’t worry...even with indigent care, fairyland salaries, the taxpayers are in good shape. Last year the hospital made a profit of more than 4 million dollars. If that’s true, why is Houston County spending precious tax dollars to subsidize the hospital? I’m told we need a new “Doctor Administrator” to manage about 125 doctors in Houston County. I believe it’s time for the taxpayers to get out of the “hospital business” and let the hospital get in the “tax paying business”. We also need to talk to the individual Hospital Authority members about this latest outrage. I hen we need lo ask the County Commissioners who is proteedng the taxpayers. Perhaps the nursing stall and hospital staff should be remembered if the hospital actually made 4 million dollars profit last year. Let the Authority members and the County Commissioners know how you feel about this. You can reach them at the following numbers: Hospital Authority: Chairman, Hal Cotton, 987-1574; Dr. Carl L. Beard, M.D., 922-4566; Burney Adams,. 923-8695; Barbara Calhoun, unlisted number, write her at 164 Mossland Dr„ Perry, 31069; Arthur Head, 929-4903; Clifford Holmes Jr., 922-1782; Marian L. Nichols, 929- 3888; L.M. Rucker, 987-3672; Carol G. Russell, 923-2845; Dr. J. W. Spivey Jr., M.D., 922-9807; and Dr. Larry D. Stewart, M.D., 987-3445. County Commissioners: Chairman, Sherrill Stafford, 953-3126; Calvin Maye, 328-7296; Larry Sncllgrove, 953-3157; Archie Thompson, 988- 1378; and H. Jay Walker 111, 953-1240. I truly believe our hospital has grown too large to be managed by an Authority of non-professionals. Let’s sell the hospital, tax the profits, and all live happily ever alicr. (Editor's Note: Tltc above edit mull was written by Tom Reed, general manager of The Daily Sun, Warnei Robins, ana is reprinted with premission.) — THE- f&Wvr GALLERY" ' x,v /j 17 "^„ if Understand, our actions just a matter of values Over 800 people may have died when the ferry went down near Finland. The death toll was severe; but, recent reports tell us that many of the killed were young children and the elderly, people least able to sur vive a disaster of this type. The re ports say that many of the sur vivors lived by crawling over and displacing the young and the old. Recently, also, there have been reports criticizing a Macon pastor for delivering "political" remarks in a sermon broadcast over radio. Supposedly, this minister attacked the Democratic Party for lacking morals. The opponents of this speech say that the preacher had no right to bring into a religious situation speech that was clearly political. The two types of speech, they said, were independent of each other. Some may not see a connection between the two events. Yet, there is a great connection between the events off Finland and the events in Macon. The question, in both instances, is what role does our belief system, our religion, if you will, play in our lives. The other day as I was listening to the radio, doing a little channel, Readers share their views on issues in the news Dear Editor: I wmit to thank the Houston Tiines-Joumal for your excellent coverage of our ongoing county flu campaign. Community health must include the resources of the whole community if we are to keep families healthy. The key to delivering essential health services to Perry is creating an awareness-sometimes encouraging, sometimes coaxing people take care of important preventive healtli matters. Infant immunizations, Medicaid child physicals, WIC services for new mothers and infants, and free mammograms for older women me a few of the good reasons to visit your county health department on King’s Chapel Road. This month, one of the best reasons is to get a flu shot. Better yet, why not combine a flu shot for you, with an immunization check or physical for your child or grandchild. Jim, I believe Perry appreciates the way you publicized the danger of the flu and bow easy it is to receive flu protection for this winter. We have already seen a significant response from this community and our neighbors in south county for shots. But our job is not yet complete. We have lots more vaccine ;uid there are in;uty people who need coaxing. Please continue to pass the word to your readers that October and November me great months to get shot! Our Health Department will continue to be inviting healthcare providers. With the continued support of fine organizations like the Perry Rotmy and Kiwanis, the Perry Hospital, and our business community, who are pledging to assist to make Perry a healthy community, our future is very bright. I tun grateful that our Houston Tiines-Joumal sees community health as a top priority. Sincerely, Bill Carter, Director Houston County Health Department Dear Editor: There seems to be numerous reports on the “rich kid” from Atlanta running for governor, Guy Millncr. The fact is Guy Millner did not grow up rich. His father ran a gas station in Holly Hills, Fla., very close to Daytona Beach. There were three children in the Christian home, and both parents were very attentive and frugal. All three children received a college education to which they contributed financially. After graduation from high school Guy attended Florida State University in Tallahassee. During his days at Florida State he sold pots and pans house to house to finance his education. The fact is that Guy has not only worked all his life, but he has worked very hard and very long for his successes. The industrious people who set high goals and work their plans usually find much success in the American way. Guy is one of these people. Why then should we criticize him for his well earned success? The fact that Guy Millner has been on both sides of the street will give him "Veto I Roley .HP Staff Writer I trying to find "The Prairie Home Companion," I came upon Josh McDowell, who was talking about problems that faced Christian youth groups. He said there were several items that youth ministers agreed on as being important indicators about whether someone would grow up to be a "good, moral person" or a "Christian." The youth ministers all agreed that having a stable home life and having a relationship with Christ were important to their groups. However, they said one is sue indicated trouble more than any other issue. That issue was the presence of absolute values. McDowell said that those teenagers who had abso lute values were less likely to harm others or engage in other harmful behavior than those who did not hold absolute values. What does this have to do with a ferry sinking off the coast of 4A Houston Times-Journal Finland? As to the cause of the ac cident, nothing. But, as to the peo ple leaving the elderly and young to fend for themselves on a sinking ship, everything. Some years ago, it would have been unheard of for someone to have pushed through a crowd, leav ing the elderly and the young to die. Our value system taught that those that were able to fend for them selves helped those who did not. And, it's not just common cour tesy at work here, although that was often what it was passed off as. No, it was something that said the strong had a duty to the weak. It was something that made man su perior to the animal world. Man was taught to remember the scene in Washington after a jet crash. Photos from the scene showed a man repeatedly receiving a rope and seat only to hand it to someone else. The man drowned be fore rescuers could get him out of the water. But, the scene from the ferry is one out of wild kingdom. It appears that there were few heros, and that goes back to values. Some people also think that there should be a limit to our val ues—that our values should be the insight to understand problems from both sides. Sincerely, Nick Strickland, Fort Valley Dear Editor: So often we forget how lucky we me and we take so many things in our everyday life for granted-like walking. Kim (Andrews) Lones (daughter of Dot and Marshall Andrews) and Jerry Lones were married on July 25, 1992, and like most young people getting started with their new life together thought everything was perfect. It was, until the next week on July 29, 1992, Kim was involved in an automobile accident. This accident almost claimed the life of Kim, having resulted in a broken hip, broken left arm, broken right ankle, along with multiple head and facial lacerations and bums. Kim remained in the Medical Center in Macon for three and a half months where she underwent skin grafts and extensive rehabilitation. Upon her release from the hospital, she still had to have physical therapy three times a week caused by the broken hip. Now today, Kim is faced with having to have a hip replacement. At her young age, the doctors are not pleased with her present condition, and she has no alternative, in order to prevent further complications. Kim does not let her pain stop her. However, without the support of her husband Jerry, who is an employee of PPG in Perry and their son Austin, she would not be able to face each new day with a smile. The case is still in the hands of the Court system and insurance benefits me not in her favor, however, the medical doctors say she should not wait any longer. With the support of the community and friends, we hope that this expense burden can be met and Kim can get this hip replacement and will be able to walk without pain, the way so many of us take for granted. A “Kimberly Andrews Lones” benefit fund account has been opened at The Bank of Perry, 987-2554, Attn. Debra Law. Dear Editor: One more Georgia National Fair parade is behind us. It was the fifth and from all reports, the best. It couldn’t happen without the great participation by all the units involved. There were 100 all together, and included the Perry High Band, antique cars, lots of kids, floats, and circus animals. If you missed the parade, make plans to see the 6th annual on Oct. 7, 1995. Thanks again for the fine effort by all parade participants and those who helped pul it all together. Sincerely, Bill Haffley Parade Coordinator locked into a room, or event, and never allowed to come out. Yet, there me no such values that can withstand such segregation from retd life. A value system, if it is to have power, must rule over the person in public as well as power. There can not be one set of public values and a different set of private values. Perhaps the people who criticise the pastor of Mabel White Baptist Church should carefully look at the values they espouse. Values that me not applied consistently to all parts of life have no worth. It's a value thing. Why do kids murder kids without blinking an eye today? It's a value thing. We no longer believe that some things are right simply because they me right, and some things me wrong simply because they are wrong. And, until we regain that simple belief, we will continue to be shocked at reports of people climbing over children to reach the safety of lifeboats or other buoys. And, until we, as the pastor of Mabel White Baptist Church sug gests, stmt carrying our values over into public life, and start practicing in public what we preach in private, we will never regain the values that our nation was built on.