Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
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Dr. John Buck
Experience:
Emergency medicine physician; EMS director (twice); president of health care company; board experience (multiple); retired
Why did you decide to run in this election?
I was looking for an opportunity to give back to my community by using my training and experience. I also like the staff of MCHD.
What experience do you have that would help you in this role?
Retired emergency medicine physician; served in Air Force as physician and on medical teams (Mobile Forward Surgical Team and Critical Care Air Transport Team); previous EMS director for two different companies; co-founded a company that partners with large health care systems (around 2,000 employees); served on multiple boards (for-profit and not…)
What is your top priority, if elected?
Spending time getting to know the challenges of the team, taking a deeper dive in the budget, improving processes and driving accountability. Specific areas of focus include the current 911 process and our [Health Care Assistance Program] programs for the indigent.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the Montgomery County Hospital District?
The growth the county is experiencing is putting pressure on the resources of MCHD. We need to look for efficiencies to lower operating costs while making smart investments to ensure we can continue to deliver excellence for the community.
What are the greatest funding needs for the Montgomery County Hospital District?
This ties into the previous question, but specifically ensuring the various county departments connected to 911 are aligned and equipped to deliver on state and federal standards. Planning for capital expense to address both the growth and to replace equipment at the end of its service life.
Jackie T. Williams
Experience:
I retired in 2016 from the oil and gas Industry as a Senior Asset Manager.
Why did you decide to run in this election?
It is my belief that tax money entrusted to this organization, or any organization, should be spent wisely. With the increasing needs facing our county, I would like to make sure we spend the tax dollars in the most beneficial way while ensuring we meet the demands for staffing and…
What experience do you have that would help you in this role?
My managerial experience included responsibilities in budgeting, employee supervision, asset acquisitions and asset integrity management. These skills and experience will enable me to assist in the decision making processes regarding MCHD finances, employee issues and equipment demands.
What is your top priority, if elected?
My top priority will be to ensure that we have the staffing, equipment, facilities and processes necessary to provide the best care for Montgomery County citizens.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the Montgomery County Hospital District?
The biggest challenge facing every county right now is to avoid tax increases while still providing the necessary quality of services.
What are the greatest funding needs for the Montgomery County Hospital District?
It is my opinion that the greatest funding needs for the Montgomery County Hospital District is for providing emergency service needs to a rapidly growing Montgomery County population. Particularly, our increasing need for qualified paramedics and fully up-to-date ambulances.
