City officials want health organization’s reputation repaired
Calexico city officials said they’re hoping the elections bring new blood into the Heffernan Memorial Healthcare District leadership.
City Council Member Bill Hodge said, “[The] reputation in recent times has been tarnished and it needs to step up and do what it’s meant to do. It has an extremely amount of potential to have a positive impact on our community.”
It was reported that last year board members took an expensive business retreat.
“Some of the members took a trip and they used funds for expenditures on dinners and drinks, and so forth,” Hodge said.
City Economic Commissioner Ben Horton said, “Any time that you have allegations that come up, then you have to answer, there’s always that thought process, if this is just one part, what else have they done?”
The retreat reportedly cost over $13,000 of public funds.
“Not using the money for what it should be allocated for,” Hodge said.
Now four candidates running for two seats: incumbents Norma Apodaca and Sylvia Bernal; challengers Gloria Grijalva, a retired administrative assistant and Jaime Godinez, a physical activity instructor. Officials advised the community to choose wisely.
“Any candidate that expresses a strong conviction that they will maintain the budget and have transparency and accountability can be considered as a viable candidate,” Hodge said.
Horton suggested to consider any candidate with related background experience.
“They [should] have some background in the medical field. That gives the ability to look potential activities, grants,” Horton said.
HMHD coordinates health care to the area and distributes thousands of dollars in health-oriented grant funds. Officials said this is a great responsibility affecting the area. They said character matters.
“[Choose] someone that has a reputation for honesty, transparency, and good leadership qualities,” Hodge said.
Horton suggested to consider someone with administrative skills.
“That gives them the ability to put together policies,” Horton said.
