The Renton Reporter asked the three candidates in the primary election Aug. 16 for Position 1, Public Hospital District No. 1 Board of Commissioners, to fill out a questionnaire about themselves and to explain briefly the issues surrounding the campaign. This position is geographically centered in the Renton area, but all voters in the hospital district will vote in the primary and the general elections. There is no incumbent in the race, as Don Jacobson is retiring from the commission.
Jim Grossnickle
AGE: 40
FAMILY: wife, Michelle, three children (ages 3,5,7)
BACKGROUND: I live in the Newport Hills neighborhood of Belleuve. I have a Ph.D. in Plasma Physics from the University of Washington. I worked as a research scientist researching alternative energy for 10 years, and now work as a contract engineer/physicist in the Applied Physics Lab at Boeing.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Hazelwood Elementary and Renton Council PTSAs, Newcastle Baseball Club coach, Renton School District Budget Committee, Leadership Eastside class of 2012
POLITICAL ACTIVITIES: Ran for Renton School Board in 2009, volunteered for several local candidates.
ENDORSEMENTS: See website
TOP THREE ISSUES:
1. We must make sure our tax money is spent on quality health care, not on administrative salaries and other wasteful spending.
2. We must make sure that voice of the district voters and public oversight of the hospital by elected officials is not lost in the alliance.
3. We need both boards, the commission and the alliance, to be open and transparent, for example, we should have public comment at the beginning of meetings before new business, not just at the end after all votes have been taken.
WEBSITE: www.JimGrossnickle.org
Mary Alice Heuschel
AGE: 49
FAMILY: Husband Eugene R. Heuschel II, sons Gene, Brian, Tony, Josh, two miniature Schnauzers, Spike and Zeus
BACKGROUND: Lives in Renton. Profession – education; teacher – regular and special education, principal – intermediate school, assessment specialist, assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessment, deputy state superintendent (OSPI) and superintendent; Renton School District.
EDUCATION: multiple education degrees, including a bachelors degree from Wheelock College, a masters degree from Northwestern University and a doctorate from Seattle Pacific University.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Renton Rotary, Renton Chamber of Commerce, Community In Schools of Renton, Friends of Renton Schools, Renton Schools – drama, music, the arts, athletics, specialized student club events, and numerous special events.
POLITICAL ACTIVITIES: Offer education perspective to elected officials, especially data-specific information regarding Renton and/or impact/ implementation of proposed legislation.
ENDORSEMENTS: See website
TOP THREE ISSUES: Public access to the highest quality of healthcare: Access to quality care and excellent healthcare providers is an essential component to enhancing the quality of life we enjoy in our communities.
Patient safety: Patient safety is required to provide quality care.
Responsible board leadership, especially in the areas of appropriate policy development, responsible, transparent decision-making, fiscal discipline and accountability to taxpayers – and the effective development of the recent Alliance between Valley Medical and UW Medicine:
Valley Medical provides high quality care and excellent access to the communities it serves. This must be maintained. There are challenges with board leadership that will require a collaborative, cooperative approach to fulfilling board roles and responsibilities. The recent alliance with UW Medicine elevates the need for quality board leadership to ensure an effective partnership is developed that will result in success for our community.
WEBSITE: www.electmaryalice.com
Dr. Paul N. Joos
AGE: 65
FAMILY: Wife, Desnee, married 36 years. Daughter Analisa, college professor. Son, Zachary, M.D., following in my footsteps.
BACKGROUND: Eye surgeon and physician, 32 years at Valley Medical Center. Live in Renton. Renton High School graduate (1964), Pacific Lutheran University (1968), and Creighton University School of Medicine (1973). Member of multiple professional societies.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Charitable work, including free eye care and surgery through the Lion’s Club vision program and Knights Templar. Significant contributions to Union Gospel Mission, MADD, Catholic Relief Services, Community Services for the Blind, Sofia’s Way (Battered Women Housing), Goodwill, and St. Vincent’s De Paul.
POLITICAL ACTIVITIES: None prior to this contest.
ENDORSEMENTS: See website
MY TOP THREE ISSUES:
1. Rebuilding the reputation of the administration at Valley Medical Center, by providing leadership for the board, so the board will take a more active role in management of the hospital.
2. Ensure the alliance with UW Medicine works to the benefit of Valley Medical Center and our communities.
3. Promote the needs of people in our own area so they have universal, affordable and excellent health care.
WEBSITE: www.electpauljoosmd.com
