Dear Editor,
In response to Lindy Washburn’s March 5, 2008 article “HUMC Ambulances to serve City”. How
many other businesses or organizations would like a chance to donate $1 million to get this type
of NO BID contract, enter into a developer’s agreement with a city government, and receive
approval for a nine-story building, that requires numerous variances that you, I, or any other
business would not receive. This is exactly what Hackensack University Medical Center has
done. The Citizens of Hackensack lose eight, not seven, highly dedicated and experienced
professional Emergency Medical Technicians{EMT}, as well as the City losing many tax ratable
properties.
As to the estimated $600,000 in City budget savings, the City does not address how they will
make up for the loss of revenues now billed at over $800,000. HUMC will bill patients’ insurance
carriers at a much higher rate. They will most likely use collection agencies to go after the City’s
residents who cannot afford the service or do not have insurance. Will they put liens on citizens’
homes or garnish their wages in an effort to collect for their service? Who is next to lose their
jobs, or what City service will be cut for the next HUMC provided service or construction project?
Hackensack Fire Department EMTs responded to 3,445 calls last year not 2,200, and has 2
ambulances on duty from 6am - 6pm Monday thru Friday, not 4 ambulances as stated. Where
else are they wrong with their math?
To correct your quote, as the “non profit” HUMC has grown, their relationship with citizens has
been frayed, but obviously their special relationship with the Mayor and Council has not. Both
fire unions believe the citizens of Hackensack will not benefit from any tax relief or savings, only
a bigger strain on the City’s municipal infrastructure from yet another TAX EXEMPT HUMC
property. All this from a DEAL that would save the city an estimated $600,000, while HUMC and
their subcontractor Vanguard Healthcare Management LLC, figure to reap in millions in profits.
WHY ELSE WOULD HUMC PROVIDE THIS SERVICE AT NO COST TO THE CITY??? Is this not
a prime example of PAY TO PLAY?? It appears the City Manager and the Mayor & Council are
not in touch with the citizens needs, only those of HUMC.
Regards,
F/F John Linquito, President
IAFF Local 2081
Hackensack Professional Firefighters & EMTs Association
Deputy Chief Charles Grieco, President
IAFF Local 3172
Hackensack Uniformed Fire Officers Association
and
First District Vice President
Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey
In response to Lindy Washburn’s March 5, 2008 article “HUMC Ambulances to serve City”. How
many other businesses or organizations would like a chance to donate $1 million to get this type
of NO BID contract, enter into a developer’s agreement with a city government, and receive
approval for a nine-story building, that requires numerous variances that you, I, or any other
business would not receive. This is exactly what Hackensack University Medical Center has
done. The Citizens of Hackensack lose eight, not seven, highly dedicated and experienced
professional Emergency Medical Technicians{EMT}, as well as the City losing many tax ratable
properties.
As to the estimated $600,000 in City budget savings, the City does not address how they will
make up for the loss of revenues now billed at over $800,000. HUMC will bill patients’ insurance
carriers at a much higher rate. They will most likely use collection agencies to go after the City’s
residents who cannot afford the service or do not have insurance. Will they put liens on citizens’
homes or garnish their wages in an effort to collect for their service? Who is next to lose their
jobs, or what City service will be cut for the next HUMC provided service or construction project?
Hackensack Fire Department EMTs responded to 3,445 calls last year not 2,200, and has 2
ambulances on duty from 6am - 6pm Monday thru Friday, not 4 ambulances as stated. Where
else are they wrong with their math?
To correct your quote, as the “non profit” HUMC has grown, their relationship with citizens has
been frayed, but obviously their special relationship with the Mayor and Council has not. Both
fire unions believe the citizens of Hackensack will not benefit from any tax relief or savings, only
a bigger strain on the City’s municipal infrastructure from yet another TAX EXEMPT HUMC
property. All this from a DEAL that would save the city an estimated $600,000, while HUMC and
their subcontractor Vanguard Healthcare Management LLC, figure to reap in millions in profits.
WHY ELSE WOULD HUMC PROVIDE THIS SERVICE AT NO COST TO THE CITY??? Is this not
a prime example of PAY TO PLAY?? It appears the City Manager and the Mayor & Council are
not in touch with the citizens needs, only those of HUMC.
Regards,
F/F John Linquito, President
IAFF Local 2081
Hackensack Professional Firefighters & EMTs Association
Deputy Chief Charles Grieco, President
IAFF Local 3172
Hackensack Uniformed Fire Officers Association
and
First District Vice President
Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey
FLYER
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