It was great news for local taxpayers to hear that the Washington State Supreme Court denied review of a lawsuit brought on by Valley Medical Commissioner Paul Joos, continuing his challenge of the alliance that was formed in 2011 between Valley Medical and UW Medicine. Dr. Joos has continued to challenge earlier court rulings up to the Court of Appeals that ruled in favor of the alliance.

Of course Dr. Joos was able to continue his personal mission to try and unravel the relationship with UW Medicine using our tax dollars and patient revenues. The legal fees have been very expensive and have not improved our community one bit.

The goal of the alliance has always been to improve the health of South King County, not to feed egos of the elected officials. It’s no secret that he has been on a mission since being elected to the commission to serve his personal, negative agenda against management.

His efforts have failed and despite his misguided agenda, healthcare services available to the public at Valley Medical Center have never been better.

The Valley Medical Center/UW Medicine strategic alliance has proven to be a tremendous asset to this community by improving access to quality services at a reduced cost. It’s great news for our community that this debate fueled by a couple of disgruntled commissioners is finally over.

And now maybe Dr. Joos can devote some time as a commissioner to try and contribute something positive to the operation and future of Valley Medical Center and the community. If not, hopefully he’ll resign from the board and let someone else step in who is more interested in healthcare for south county residents than personal agendas.

Denny Dochnahl,
Renton