Commissioners’ right to delay five-year plan

Now wasn’t the best time to approve a new five-year strategic plan for Adams County Public Hospital District No. 2.

The commissioners, under the guidance of Kirk Danekas, appear to have recognized there’s good reason to slow down and consider the community’s point of view.

The district’s exisiting five-year plan is expiring, and the new document is intended to serve as an outline of goals and objectives for the future. Such planning is standard procedure for large businesses and organizations.

The newly-drafted plan, the byproduct of a strategic planning session conducted in mid-May, was due to be approved on July 14 during a special meeting of the district’s commissioners.

Danekas recommended a delay in the action based on public commentary shared with the district after a portion of the strategic plan was made available for review.

The past year has been one of turmoil for many when it comes to the hospital district. As a result of actions, reactions and outcomes, the district is laboring through a challenging transition period.

At the same time the elected leadership of the district finds itself in the midst of a contested election season. There are five commissioners’ positions. Three of those positions will appear on the general election ballot in November. There are two candidates for each of the three positions.

Ultimately, voters will decide who will fill each of those three positions. Regardless of the individuals elected to lead the district during the new term, it’s realistic to expect that some changes in philosophy, goals and objectives may occur.

The decision to delay approval of the new strategic plan is a sound one. Danekas has formed a committee to include a couple members of the community.

This new group will review the draft plan, and all of the public commentary submitted regarding the plan.

The result could be an endorsement of the plan as presented in draft. Likely, the outcome will be an amended plan proposal that includes public sentiment.

Residents can still have a say in the district’s future direction. They have a couple of weeks to review the entire draft strategic plan, which is now available at the hospital or from a couple of websites: http://www.earh.com or http://www.ritzvillejournal.com.

Originaly only a portion of the plan was released to the public.

Public comments are welcome based on the entire plan. They must be submitted in writing to the district by Friday, July 29.

Careful steps and planning now should go a long way toward resolving what has become a painful experience for many.

Healing in this case will take more than a Bandaid. Goals and objectives truly endorsed by taxpayers will ultimately lead to better overall support of the district’s future.