Candidate Statement

By John J. "Jack" Hickey

Sequoia Healthcare District should not exist without voter approval.

2014

In 1946, voters formed Sequoia Hospital District. Property taxes were assessed to build Sequoia Hospital. In 1996, with Sequoia Hospital running a huge deficit, voters approved a bailout sale to Catholic Healthcare West. Voters were unaware that the District, without a hospital, would continue collecting property taxes, but now giving the money away--to businesses and charities of the Board's choosing. The 2001 Civil Grand Jury questioned this new role, recommending property tax reductions unless voters approve expenditures for purposes not intended in the 1946 or 1996 elections. Shortly thereafter, I was elected to the board, and found the District pursuing a fast track to relocate Sequoia Hospital. My referendum petition derailed that plan. Now owned by Dignity Health, Sequoia Hospital recently completed a major upgrade on its historic site at Whipple Avenue and Alameda de las Pulgas. This community treasure has been preserved. Now, voters must be allowed to decide the fate of Sequoia Healthcare District. If it didn't already exist, would we create such a district--whose elected directors dole out tax dollars to their favorite charities? I think not. Vote for Jack Hickey, and two other candidates who share a commitment to "let the voters decide" .

2012

In 1946, voters formed Sequoia Hospital District. Property taxes were assessed. Sequoia Hospital was built. In 1996, with Sequoia Hospital deep in debt, voters approved a bailout sale to Catholic Healthcare West. Voters were unaware that the District, without a hospital, would continue collecting property taxes. Subsequently, the Sequoia Healthcare District assumed a philanthropic role which the 2001 Civil Grand Jury questioned. That Grand Jury recommended a property tax reduction unless voters approve expenditures for purposes not intended in the 1946 or 1996 elections. I was first elected to the Board in 2002. Shortly thereafter, the District pursued a fast track to relocate Sequoia Hospital down by the Bayshore freeway. My referendum petition derailed that plan. Now owned by Dignity Health, Sequoia Hospital completed a major upgrade on it's historic site at Whipple and the Alameda. This community treasure has been preserved. In a follow-up to earlier Grand Juries, the 2005 Civil Grand Jury recommended the district explore expansion to include all San Mateo County residents. In 2007, the Local Agency Formation Commission assigned a "transitional sphere of influence" to the Sequoia and Peninsula Healthcare Districts, suggesting consolidation, dissolution or expansion. I will put the Sequoia Healthcare District dissolution question to the voters.