Now that the recent recall election for the Tulare Regional Medical Center Board of Directors is behind us, it is time that we set aside the political division we have experienced over the last year and a half and move forward together as One Tulare to save our hospital and complete the medical tower.
On November 8th of last year and again July 11th of this year, Tulare voters made it clear that we no longer want business as usual and that we need a new board of directors with a new vision, dedication to transparency and accountability and a commitment to doing the right thing for the patients and tax payers of Tulare.
Although some find it difficult to let go of the past and see the new reality, the focus of the new board majority must remain clear and steadfast. And that is to provide the leadership we have sorely needed and the one which hundreds of residents have organized and fought for.
While the new majority works to get accustomed to their new leadership role and begins the monumental task of peeling back the layers of years of failed leadership, we must come together as a community to support them and help with the challenge of completing the medical tower.
There is no doubt this will be a big challenge for the board, our city and its residents. However, I wholeheartedly believe that we can rise to the occasion. And I am not alone to think this.
Tulare has amazing people and leaders that can come together when needed and solve anything. Now is the time that we must step up to the plate and help on this one issue, completing the medical tower.
Over the next few weeks I will speak with the new board of directors on the idea of establishing a Blue Ribbon Task Force whose one and only purpose will be to work with them to complete the medical tower.
In order, for the hospital to move forward this has to be a priority. The board will have its hands full with working to straighten out the mess created at the hospital and work to keep it from sinking any further.
I strongly believe that we have the talent, experience and know how among us to help make it happen through the work of the Task Force. I believe in our city and the residents I am honored to represent.
There is no need to advocate for another health care facility to come to Tulare. We must work together to assure that the one we have succeeds. Real leadership comes from ones willingness to be involved and willingness to roll up ones sleeves and make things happen.
Commentating from the sidelines and criticizing those who want to make things better is not real leadership. It’s a distraction that we don’t need. There is too much at stake for pettiness.
Finally, I would like to invite my fellow elected officials at the local, state and federal levels to join with me and the many concerned Tulareans throughout the city to meet and discuss how we can all work together to assure Tulare has a first class hospital for generations to come.
If you agree with me that our local elected officials should work together, take a moment to call them and ask them to join us in the effort to save our hospital. It will only take a few minutes but your call will make a difference.
JOSE SIGALA
COUNCILMEMBER – CITY OF TULARE, DISTRICT 1