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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*denotes incumbent
Bob Bagley
Experience:
USAF security force and disaster preparedness officer; previous MCHD board member
Occupation:
Retired [United States Air Force] and business owner
Contact Information:
936-523-0223
Why did you decide to run in this election?
The current board member in this position had announced that she was not going to run for this office again. I feel that I can be of service to the taxpayers, in this position. Our county is steadily growing and MCHD has to grow to meet the needs of the…
What experience do you have that would help in this role?
As a business owner, the ability to work with: a zero- based budget; personnel hiring and benefits; facilities; and equipment; my experience has proven to be helpful in previous years. As a previous first responder and MCHD board member my experience will be valuable as the county grows.
What is your top priority, if elected?
With the continued growth in the county, ensuring that personnel, facilities and equipment are available to meet the same excellence in patient care that is currently being provided, while ensuring that taxpayer’s money is being spent wisely.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the Montgomery County Hospital District?
The biggest challenge for years at MCHD, has been finding qualified personnel, especially in the medical field. The medical field as a whole has been short of personnel for years.
What are the greatest funding needs for the Montgomery County Hospital District?
MCHD does not have bonds or debt, through the insight of the administration’s and board’s planning and budgeting over the years. New facilities, vehicles and additional personnel will be added the next few years to ensure that excellent indigent care and emergency care are available to the citizens of Montgomery…
Georgette Whatley*
Experience:
MCHD board member 20 years; small business owner: ASAP Bail Bonds 24 years; accounting degree…
Contact Information:
936-718-4848
Why did you decide to run in this election?
We have a strong board, excellent executive team and employees, and the lowest tax rate in the county. We’ve lowered the tax rate every year since I’ve been on the board. I want to keep the momentum going to lower our rate without sacrificing the quality of our services.
What experience do you have that would help you in this role?
MCHD board member for 20 years, serving several years as chairman, vice chair and now secretary; small business owner who views MCHD as a business.
What is your top priority, if elected?
Saving our EMS service from privatization. From responses I’ve seen from non-incumbent candidates on other questionnaires, several are open to the idea of privatizing EMS. This would be disastrous for our neighbors. Response times and the quality of services would be severely diminished.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the Montgomery County Hospital District?
Keeping up with rapid growth while keeping tax rates below $0.05/$100 and a possible attempt to privatize EMS.
What are the greatest funding needs for the Montgomery County Hospital District?
We will need additional personnel and equipment to keep pace with the rapid growth, especially in the current economy.
