The Observation Deck

In contrast to Jennifer Pae's negative assessment of the strength of MetroHealth, used to justify ignoring their offer to run Lakewood Hospital, they seem to be doing quite well.

What a shame the city used an assessment made by an unqualified person to base their dismissal of an offer on.

What a shame that a provider that would be a good fit for Lakewood, who wanted to expand here, was ignored.

Look at Metro now:

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ss ... ncart_2box

Boutros was hired 3 1/2 years ago, and he launched a transformation so successful that the health system can finance a $855 million building plan without seeking taxpayer help, said Boutros, who has led the organization since June 2013.

"We evolved from a complex, fragmented costly system with variations in the quality of care to a well-organized managed health care system," he said. "People get care when they need it where they need it. We provide value. And our reputation has improved throughout the years."..... MetroHealth's revenues this year will exceed $1 billion for the first time, he said.

Ms. Conant,

From the available evidence it appears that Summers ignored and rejected Metro's two 2014 proposals prior to Ms. Pae's public statements demeaning Metro. You are correct in saying she was and is unqualified to render any professional opinion on the subject of Metro. Nevertheless, she did spew forth falsehoods about Metro to promote her boss' plan to privatize public assets.

I believe that Summers and Council's choice to ignore the Metro offer was already a done deal before it was even put in print. Metro is run by the County. Who is the County Commissioner? Armond Budish. It appears that once all the research and investigating is done, you will find that Armond appears to be a member of Summer's Extended Family. He is also an alleged crook that, in time, it will be presented, that he appears to have a BIG part in what is happening in Lakewood!

Lori Allen _ wrote:I believe that Summers and Council's choice to ignore the Metro offer was already a done deal before it was even put in print. Metro is run by the County. Who is the County Commissioner? Armond Budish. It appears that once all the research and investigating is done, you will find that Armond appears to be a member of Summer's Extended Family. He is also an alleged crook that, in time, it will be presented, that he appears to have a BIG part in what is happening in Lakewood!

When I first attended a Save Lakewood Hospital meeting in early May, 2015, I spoke about what I had read and why I intended to become involved in the SLH effort with my co-workers. One of the gentleman, whose son works for the City of Lakewood, spoke up quickly. He asked me why I would waste my time when Lakewood Hospital's closing was "a done deal". That is exactly the phrase he used in early May, 2015 - "A ONE DEAL".

How would someone in my office at that time, who's son still works for the City of Lakewood, be so confident in advising (almost snickering at) me to not waste my time trying to save the hospital? In early May, 2015???

Another gentleman, in August, 2015, told me that maybe the City didn't want "those people" (METRO) here. "THOSE PEOPLE", a phrase promoted by our Mayor and the reason the City would rather have an outhouse labeled Cleveland Clinic than a full service hospital called Metro.

Neither of these 2 men live in Lakewood, yet they had the pulse of what our City officials feelings. Both knew the fate of Lakewood Hospital was pre-determined by City officials. They are friends so both know the son who works at Lakewood.

How did they know so much so early in the game ? I wish I had been stringer with them a that time and had pressured for more information but I was trying to maintain some professional office decorum.

Look to Brian Essi's discussions and revelations on BAD GOVERNMENT for the answer. Apparently, some city employees have known all along what the Plan for Future Development was in Lakewood.

Bridget Conant wrote:In contrast to Jennifer Pae's negative assessment of the strength of MetroHealth, used to justify ignoring their offer to run Lakewood Hospital, they seem to be doing quite well.

What a shame the city used an assessment made by an unqualified person to base their dismissal of an offer on.

What a shame that a provider that would be a good fit for Lakewood, who wanted to expand here, was ignored.

Look at Metro now:

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ss ... ncart_2box

Boutros was hired 3 1/2 years ago, and he launched a transformation so successful that the health system can finance a $855 million building plan without seeking taxpayer help, said Boutros, who has led the organization since June 2013.

"We evolved from a complex, fragmented costly system with variations in the quality of care to a well-organized managed health care system," he said. "People get care when they need it where they need it. We provide value. And our reputation has improved throughout the years."..... MetroHealth's revenues this year will exceed $1 billion for the first time, he said.

Ms. Conant, It's all well and good that Metro under Dr. Boutros is a resounding success. That their "revenues this year will exceed $1 billion dollars for the first time." (As an aside... Hey Jen Pae, you so nailed where Metro was headed).
But that kind of stuff doesn't matter. What matters is that David Anderson was of the opinion, (based on what,who knows), that Dr. Boutros was way out in front of Metro's board when he pitched a full service hospital for Lakewood.
Dr. Boutros, sure he's a success. Sure he's a proven commodity. But Mr. Anderson, he had a vibe. And in Lakewood that trumps reality.
Well done Mr. Anderson way to save us from Dr. Boutros' folly.

I do not mean to sound disrespectful, but, it is time for some to widen their view on this entire hospital deal. I believe it was a done deal before it was even presented to the tax payers of Lakewood. I believe Summers, Council and Extended Company knew that they could get away with a closed bid on a public asset because of "friends" on the Ethics Commission.

Armond Budish is a member of Summers, Council and Extended Company. Who do you think is in charge of Metro, a county hospital? Is it just a coincidence that our ex-council president, Ms. Madigan, upon leaving her council position, became Armond Budish's right hand woman? Suddenly she gets promoted from a Child and Family Service Worker to Communications Director? Why wasn't a person from within the Communications Department, with a college degree in communications, not be promoted to that position? I believe she was placed there on purpose to control the media and to monitor all communications going in and out of Budish's office. This way their alleged crimes would remain a secret.

A lot more than just our hospital was allegedly money laundered away by these criminals. See my previous posts about alleged home thefts, alleged misuse of HUD and grant monies, alleged vote tampering, etc. I believe our entire town is being stolen from us right in front of our very eyes by these thieves. It is time that people realize that Summers, Council and Extended Company members are NOT your friends! Do not trust these alleged criminals.

It appears that Judge O'Donnel postponed the hospital hearing again. Why would this "judge" not put a stay on the hospital until after the law suit? Why would he not put a stay on the hospital ,even after admitting that he had not even read through the paper work yet? It appears that Judge O'Donnel is another member of Summers, Council and extended Company. Mr. Budish is allegedly allowing Summers to use the Cuyahoga County Court System to go after several members of our community that have spoken out publicly against our Mayor. Summers allegedly is having his buddies file stupid law suits against several of our fine upstanding citizens. It appears that summers has to use the influence of his friends in higher places because he is not man enough or intelligent enough to deal directly with the citizens. " Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain".

Did Antonio receive some "perks" from CCF for her involvement? Check out her campaign contributions from the past few years. There appears to be an awful lot of contributions from Insurance Companies and Pharmaceutical Companies from her last campaign. Cleveland Clinic? Hmmmmm.

m buckley wrote: Ms. Conant, It's all well and good that Metro under Dr. Boutros is a resounding success. That their "revenues this year will exceed $1 billion dollars for the first time." (As an aside... Hey Jen Pae, you so nailed where Metro was headed).
But that kind of stuff doesn't matter. What matters is that David Anderson was of the opinion, (based on what,who knows), that Dr. Boutros was way out in front of Metro's board when he pitched a full service hospital for Lakewood.
Dr. Boutros, sure he's a success. Sure he's a proven commodity. But Mr. Anderson, he had a vibe. And in Lakewood that trumps reality.
Well done Mr. Anderson way to save us from Dr. Boutros' folly.

Yesterday's newspaper is on the counter in our kitchen at work and every time I see that headline I get so angry. The thought that a small-minded group of people turned down a great opportunity for our community and the region makes me very angry.

Yes, well done. I hope you your legacy of destruction makes you all feel very proud.

It appears that there are still some residents in Lakewood who still believe that Metro had any shot of taking over Lakewood Hospital. I believe that Armond Budish, County Commissioner, is a member of Summers and Extended Company. They never planned on letting any health care group, except for CCF, to take over Lakewood. Look at all of the Mayor's friends on LHA, LHF, and North Coast Health. Put all these people together, including Armond and the Cuyahoga County Courts, and you get a cesspool of alleged money launders, and alleged thieves.

If people don't wake up soon, they will allegedly money launder the City of Lakewood away to all their friends and it will be too late!

Kate McCarthy wrote:

m buckley wrote: Ms. Conant, It's all well and good that Metro under Dr. Boutros is a resounding success. That their "revenues this year will exceed $1 billion dollars for the first time." (As an aside... Hey Jen Pae, you so nailed where Metro was headed).
But that kind of stuff doesn't matter. What matters is that David Anderson was of the opinion, (based on what,who knows), that Dr. Boutros was way out in front of Metro's board when he pitched a full service hospital for Lakewood.
Dr. Boutros, sure he's a success. Sure he's a proven commodity. But Mr. Anderson, he had a vibe. And in Lakewood that trumps reality.
Well done Mr. Anderson way to save us from Dr. Boutros' folly.

Yesterday's newspaper is on the counter in our kitchen at work and every time I see that headline I get so angry. The thought that a small-minded group of people turned down a great opportunity for our community and the region makes me very angry.

Yes, well done. I hope you your legacy of destruction makes you all feel very proud.

To me their denial of the Metro offer was the mother of all lies in the hospital fiasco.

Dan Alaimo wrote:

Kate McCarthy wrote:

m buckley wrote: Ms. Conant, It's all well and good that Metro under Dr. Boutros is a resounding success. That their "revenues this year will exceed $1 billion dollars for the first time." (As an aside... Hey Jen Pae, you so nailed where Metro was headed).
But that kind of stuff doesn't matter. What matters is that David Anderson was of the opinion, (based on what,who knows), that Dr. Boutros was way out in front of Metro's board when he pitched a full service hospital for Lakewood.
Dr. Boutros, sure he's a success. Sure he's a proven commodity. But Mr. Anderson, he had a vibe. And in Lakewood that trumps reality.
Well done Mr. Anderson way to save us from Dr. Boutros' folly.

Yesterday's newspaper is on the counter in our kitchen at work and every time I see that headline I get so angry. The thought that a small-minded group of people turned down a great opportunity for our community and the region makes me very angry.

Yes, well done. I hope you your legacy of destruction makes you all feel very proud.

To me their denial of the Metro offer was the mother of all lies in the hospital fiasco.

Mr. Alaimo,

I totally agree. What Summers. Madigan and Bullock didn't do in regards to Metro in 2014 showed what a Council member told me in November, 2915, i.e. that "this stopped being about healthcare a long time ago."

Regarding Metro, Summers repeatedly told the LHA board in 2014: "I don't want those people in my city!"

"I don't want those people in my city!"

Who DOES he want because WE are THOSE people.

Lakewood, no matter the homes along the lake or in Clifton Park, is and always was a predominately working to lower middle class suburb. The median income of just under $43,000 is below the Ohio median of $48,000 and places the average resident in the working and lower-to middle-middle class.

There are a few upper middle to upper class who seem to ignore the rest of the city and think they live in a tony suburb. That's fine, we need everyone, but stop thinking only your issues and concerns are important, and stop trying to impose your wants on the rest of us.

It's very clear in the hospital debate that there was a class line - voting results confirm that the wealthier precincts were more likely to support the "deal" and the mayor.

The problem is, the hospital leaving doesn't have as much of an impact on them. And, they (our "civic" leaders,) seem to be jonesing for SHOPPING and I guess the dollar stores they've managed to attract aren't doing it for them.

My advice - do what you've told those who are concerned with the hospital and doctors being in Avon: Get in your car and DRIVE!

Simple solution. Westgate, Great Northern, Avon Commons, even Legacy and Beachwood are just a short drive away! If it's OK to have to drive a few suburbs over to see a doctor or go to the hospital, then it should be OK to drive to a shopping center, no?

Bridget Conant wrote:

"I don't want those people in my city!"

Who DOES he want because WE are THOSE people.

Lakewood, no matter the homes along the lake or in Clifton Park, is and always was a predominately working to lower middle class suburb. The median income of just under $43,000 is below the Ohio median of $48,000 and places the average resident in the working and lower-to middle-middle class.

There are a few upper middle to upper class who seem to ignore the rest of the city and think they live in a tony suburb. That's fine, we need everyone, but stop thinking only your issues and concerns are important, and stop trying to impose your wants on the rest of us.

It's very clear in the hospital debate that there was a class line - voting results confirm that the wealthier precincts were more likely to support the "deal" and the mayor.

The problem is, the hospital leaving doesn't have as much of an impact on them. And, they (our "civic" leaders,) seem to be jonesing for SHOPPING and I guess the dollar stores they've managed to attract aren't doing it for them.

My advice - do what you've told those who are concerned with the hospital and doctors being in Avon: Get in your car and DRIVE!

Simple solution. Westgate, Great Northern, Avon Commons, even Legacy and Beachwood are just a short drive away! If it's OK to have to drive a few suburbs over to see a doctor or go to the hospital, then it should be OK to drive to a shopping center, no?

While you are at it...DRIVE over to the other burbs for dinner too! Why stay in Lakewood to eat OR drink!

Brian Essi wrote:Ms. Conant,

From the available evidence it appears that Summers ignored and rejected Metro's two 2014 proposals prior to Ms. Pae's public statements demeaning Metro. You are correct in saying she was and is unqualified to render any professional opinion on the subject of Metro. Nevertheless, she did spew forth falsehoods about Metro to promote her boss' plan to privatize public assets.

One of those proposals offered to negotiate a lease, purchase or any other option. Metro even listed their negotiating team. The proposal included a pledge to preserve jobs, add services and to work with independent doctors to make Lakewood a center of health care. They also offered to invest millions of dollars to improve Lakewood Hospital.

The Mayor refused to respond to their proposal. When the proposal was made public the Mayor and his supporters began a campaign to disparage and ridicule Metro, its management, its customer base and its financial health. (The Mayor repeatedly denied the existence of those two proposals.)

Why was metro so interested? Because Metro breaks even on Medicaid reimbursement rates they would have made a LOT OF MONEY.

What a waste.

The Mayor and his supporters say that they were being proactive and that the Hospital had no future. One member of the Board of the Hospital spoke before Council waving a book exclaiming, "I've read this book and this book says hospitals are obsolete." I don't know what would be worse; saying it when she knew it wasn't true or saying it and believing it was true.

Imagine a different outcome:

A newly rebuilt Hospital with 1,000 high paying jobs offering a full range of services able to offer lower prices and superior services.
A REAL family health center staffed with independent doctors and specialists.
A new college campus across the street offering 2 and 4 year degrees in health specialties operating in partnership with Lakewood Hospital.
Millions of dollars in rent payments to the City.
Preservation of the Lakewood Hospital Foundation.
Preservation of the $50+ million in cash and investments on the Hospitals books.
And more..

What do we get?

The loss of 1,000 jobs.
The loss of millions in tax revenue.
The loss of millions in rent payments.
The loss of the $34 million in the Lakewood Hospital Foundation.
The loss of the $50+ million in cash and investments.
The loss of quality health care.
and more..

What did we gain?

A small medical office building with no emergency service and no guaranteed services.

The Mayors campaign to sell this bad real estate deal included a lot of outright lies about the financial condition of the Hospital.

See this article in the PD stating that the Hospital was losing $500,000 per month in 2015:

http://www.cleveland.com/lakewood/index ... 50000.html

According the master agreement approved by Council the Hospital was MAKING nearly $500,000 per month in 2015.

If the truth is so wonderful why must they lie?

I really do not understand how summers and council are still in office, if they worked for a private company they would have been fired long ago. Our city officials are supposed to be working for the health and welfare of Lakewood citizens, they have not done that, the truth is there is no truth coming out of City Hall, in my opinion.

Brian Essi wrote: Regarding Metro, Summers repeatedly told the LHA board in 2014: "I don't want those people in my city!"

I wonder if he knows that "those people", ie those who use MetroHealth's medical services, already live here and have lived here for a long time. They use Metro by choice and are very pleased with its staff and services.