San Benito supervisors will challenge health care district ballot language

The San Benito County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Aug. 6 to challenge the San Benito Health Care District’s ballot language regarding the lease-purchase of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.

County Counsel David Prentice said the supervisors directed staff to pursue a writ of mandate that would disqualify the language from appearing on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Before the supervisors went to closed session, San Benito County District Attorney Joel Buckingham, who said he was speaking as a registered voter and not in his official capacity, voiced concern over the ballot question.

The question that was approved July 31 by the San Benito County Health Care District board July 31 reads: “Without increasing taxes and to continue providing local access to lifesaving emergency medical care, surgery, radiology, long-term care, mother/baby care, clinic and physician services at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, shall San Benito Health Care District’s measure be adopted, leasing (with option to sell) certain District real property assets and selling substantially all other District assets to nonprofit Insight Health Foundation of California, Inc. (or another qualified buyer) for fair market value, determined by independent appraisal, ensuring citizens’ oversight and continued hospital services in San Benito County?”





https://benitolink.com/san-benito-supervisors-will-challenge-health-care-district-ballot-language/