Broadlands Medical Facility

HCA is not the only one using lobbyists and sponsorships. Loudoun Hospital is just as active, if not more. I would suspect HCA needs to get their information out as they are not yet in Loudoun County, hence justifying their efforts and investment.

To me I find it astonishing that Loudoun Hospital, a so called "not for profit", has been able to fund such a large campaign. Including the funding of clandestine, personalized mailings from employees.

I also will say again, this hospital is not in the middle of a residential area. It borders two major roadways, Belmont Ridge and the Greenway. Another side of the property is next to other commercial properties. The fourth side is towards residential, which the hospital has agreed to provide a 4 acre buffer, between the two. I see know way that this project can be considered to be in the "middle" of a residential area.

 

Sorry, I didn't see your request for data.

I did not say that the newspapers said you were speaking for the HOA, I said they identified you as on the board before giving your quote. there is an implication with that placement, not a statement, thus "mostly tacky".
I did not record the commercial. I'll have to wait until I see it again, but I clearly recall it showing you as on the board, because I was incensed when I saw it. Once again, I never said it said you were speaking for the board, merely that the juxtaposition of "he's on the board and he says this" seemed tacky.

"Broadlands Homeowners Association vice president Cliff Keirce was relieved that the Broadlands site went to a hospital instead of an office park. In terms of environmental impact and traffic patterns, "it's a no-brainer," he said." from Loudoun connection 8 July

"I’m thrilled he approved HCA but dumbfounded he denied LHC,” said Cliff J. Keirce, vice president of the Broadlands Homeowners Association.
...
Keirce says he believes that HCA will be a good neighbor. “I absolutely think there's a lack of hospital beds. The growth rate isn’t getting any slower so we’re drastically underserved by hospital beds. People told me about hours and hours of waiting at Loudoun Hospital Center, waiting days to get admitted to a bed.” Leesburg Today March 2004.

Enough examples? or did you want more?

 

Of course LHC should be active defensively, someone is trying to hone in on their territory with a hospital a few miles away.

 

I have to say I'm pretty amazed at how much money LHC is spending on fighting BRMC. It has been a long standing battle and they have sunk a lot of money into it. If it were a private corporation like HCA, I could understand. This is a non-profit and they take a lot of donations and contributions from the community. They also do a lot of fundraising. I would be pretty angry if I were one of those donors or contributors that my charity was going towards a needless fight. LHC is saying the BRMC is going to put them out of business, well if they would've saved the millions they've spent on fighting them, they would probably be more financially stable to withstand a little competition. Or better yet...why didn't they put all that money back into the hospital? I'm sure there are a lot of things they could have improved, upgraded, or added to their services with the money they are wasting.

 

This is pretty interesting...
http://www.loudoun.gov/business/growth_summary_2003/ii-19.pdf

It shows the Approved Residential Units for Loudoun County as of Jan 2004. Of the 75,688 approved units, Ashburn represents 30,902 or 41%.
Dulles represents 19,085 until or 25%; however, of those units 6,240 units are for Moorefield Station. The location of Moorefield Station is between Loudoun County Pkwy and Ryan Road. When you look at it on a map it sits between Broadlands South, Regency and Loudoun Valley Estates. You can view the map at:
http://www.moorefieldstation.com/images/maps/view_CMCF_Local.jpg

Since the county population stats only covered up through 2003, this might give a better snapshot of where we can expect to see growth in the county.

By contrast, Rt 15 S has 464 units approved and the Southwest area of the county has 113 units approved. Looks like the growth remains in Ashburn.

 

Pick up the newspaper and attend a few meetings! You'll see a string of lawyers and consultants getting paid some hefty sums. You'll find the receipts for pizza parties, picnics, bus transporation and baby sitting services to get their employees to the meetings...let's talk about the numerous ads and mailings sent out againg BRMC...shall I go on?

 

Good Point!

In fact, the State considers the solvency of hospitals and the economic impact on existing health care facilites before approval. As everyone knows the State approved BRMC, obviously concluding that a competing hospital is NOT going to put LHC out of business.

If anyone doubts this, name me one hospital in VA that was put out of business by a decision the State made. You won't find one, I've already checked into this question.

 

Zansu-
Thanks for showing the two quotes. They did not state that it was the HOA's position, but my own. They COULD have said it represented the HOA's position, since the HOA, between January and May, voted unanimously to support the project. Since May, that is no longer the case. I suggest you call those papers and tell them that you think the fact they identified me as on the HOA as "tacky". I answered some questions, I did not tell them how to write it.
I did not see the Loudoun Connection article. Interesting that I do not remember discussing "environmental impact" with anyone.

I have been quoted in the papers on issues other than the hospital. I believe it is normal amd proper for the HOA to answer questions from the media. I guess you only find it "tacky" when you disagree with the answer.

PLEASE inform me if you see any of those commercials identifying me or Staci as on the HOA Board. The ones I have seen do not, and other people I have asked who have seen the ads do not recall my name or affiliation with the HOA being listed.
Because of your concern, I will try to get a hold of the group that produced the commercials and ask them about this.

 

Cliff, a commercial came on last night and it had NO NAMES whatsoever, so either I remember it wrong (which I don't think is the case, because I wouldn't have known who you were if they hadn't identified you) or they edited it to correct it. Either way, no complaint on this topic with the current version.

I also know that BRMC has misrepresented folks. Bob Peiser was in that commercial and he never supported BRMC, he just said that Loudoun would need another hospital - which they quoted out of context.

I'm not blaming you for what the newspapers print, but you have to understand that, as a resident board member on a mostly builder board, you were elected to represent the residents. Since there is far from consensus among the residents, any public quote you give (and you know they ask and quote you because you're on the board, NOT just because you happen to be a resident) should represent the homeowners, your constituency -- WHO ARE NOT OF ONE MIND. (OK, after this forum, we wonder if some of us have minds at all) I consider it tacky when there is not resident consensus, but it is presented to the public as if there were.
When Steve Snow makes public comments that do not represent Broadlands, do folks not become upset? He's supposed to represent all of Dulles.

All that being said, you have been much more balanced in your presentations lately. All of you on the board chose to run because you have strong opinions. Just remember who you represent and try to represent all of us -- That's for all four of you.

And another Note, Neilz says if I'm going to get into this I have to post a note to the board that I'm married to him. His views and mine are not always the same (He's yellow-dog democrat, and I'm a moderate Republican). But I will honor his wishes on this point (just don't paint me with his brush!)

 

Zansu-
I contacted the firm that produced the commercials and they assured me that they have NEVER put names or affiliations in the commercials.

Regarding comments to the media, I have always been very balanced about what I say. I make it clear when I am speaking for myself and when I'm speaking for the HOA.
Whenever asked about the opinion of the community regarding the hospital, I quote the results of the survey. If the media refuses to print it, that's their decision, not mine.

We are elected to represent the community. No decision we make will EVER please everybody. Just because the community appears split on an issue, does not mean the Board should refuse to review it and issue an opinion. Even with the hospital survey, which had a stamped return envelope, 60% of the community did not return it.
I doubt there will ever be an issue where the Board hears from a majority of the residents.

You're married to NeilZ????? My sympathies.........

 

Did anyone attend the Snow town meeting last night? Did he have anything to say about the hospital? Was hoping to attend but wasn't able to.

 

Steve pretty much refused to discuss the hospital issue. He basically stated that Loudoun needs another hospital, but thinks it would be better located near him in South Riding.
I think he answered one question and then shut down the discussion.
At his meeting in Arcola, there was a long discussion on this topic and he brought Rod Huebbers from LHC to the meeting. In Broadlands, where the hospital may be located and what is the most debated issue our community has seen, he doesn't want to talk about it.
That should tell you where his vote is.

 

Excuse my ignorance in how to act "politically," but how does that tell us where his vote is?

Does he not want to talk about it because he is going to vote in favor of it, angering anti-hospital people in attendance?

Or does he not want to talk about it because he is going to vote against it, angering pro-hospital people in attendance?

I see either as a possibility.

 

My assessment of Steve's view on the hospital.

"Darnit we need a hospital now", stomping his feet, literally. I believe him on that view.

Second statement, "If the hospital is moved to another location, like South Riding, there will be absolutely "ZERO", "ZERO" (with much emphasis) delay in getting a hospital built for the county". Steve thinks a hospital can be built in the same timeframe, whether it is in South Riding or Broadlands. "The design is done, just pick it up from Broadlands and move it to South Riding".

If this is the logic he uses to vote for the CPAM, and in effect not supporting the current BRMC, then it is seriously flawed judgement, and made without any education into the facts. A significant breakdown in judgement and the advise he is receiving.

My impression is he has not done ANY objective homework on the issue. I felt he was intimidated at the sophistication of the "Broadland" questions, as he was not prepared to have a qualitative debate on the subject. As Cliff said, he swiftly shut down the conversation. Broadlands, and Ashburn know this issue better than anyone, regardless of what side you are on. I was disappointed Steve didn't want to take the opportunity to learn from his constituents. Hopefully, he will listen to the emails he requested on the subject.

It is disappointing that there was more open debate on this subject in the South Riding town meeting, and much less in the Ashburn town meet. After all, it is currently approved for this area, not for South Riding.

With that said, I think if he can become familiar with the true facts of how a hospital is approved in the Commonwealth he would see that his conclusion is not valid. I think he has been hoodwinked by Huber, and hasn't looked into things objectively.

If Steve TRULY believes a hospital is needed now (foot stopping for emphasis) he will see BRMC is the quickest way for that to happen. The quickest way to get a needed hospital to his constituents and the entire County.

Education and homework on his part can clear this up. If he continues to say, "a hospital is needed now, and South Riding can get a hospital at the same time a hospital in Broadlands could be built", then I will be very disappointed. That justification is a cop out, and not related to the true reason someone is against a hospital in Broadlands.

 

He really said he thinks he can get a hospital built in South Riding on the same timeline BRMC can go in? That is a joke. He obviously doesn't realize everything involved in getting a hospital approved. Were there any representatives from Loudoun Hospital or BRMC? Was there any input from either side on this issue?

 

There was no representation from the hospital parties of interest. No one from BRMC, LHC, State or County.

Steve did a good job of having other interests represented. County person for transportation issues, Larry Beerman from Planning Commission, Carol Kost from Youth Services (volunteer and did a great presentation)Robert Dupree from school board, sheriff and fire and rescue representatives. All were available to answer questions.

 

Actually, Bryan Dearing, who will be the CEO of the BRMC, was there. Since the subject was not even discussed, he probably didn't feel the need to say anything.