February 27, 2007 Contact: George Oros
Tel: (914) 995-2828
Goo6@westchestergov.com

Secrecy surrounding federal probe at Medical Center disturbing

The Republican conference of the Westchester County Board of Legislators expressed deep concern with the lack of disclosure displayed by management at the Westchester Medical Center in regards to a federal investigation of the institution. The conference also questioned if the Spano administration withheld knowledge or information about the probe from members of the Board of Legislators.

While appreciating the gesture of Medical Center President Michael Israel to take full responsibility for the communication snafu when questioned by the Board of Legislators on Monday (February 26), Minority Leader George Oros said it was a mistake that has been repeated far too often in regards to activities and event at the Medical Center.

“For a serious matter such as this, where the taxpayer is the major financial stakeholder, it is totally inexcusable to blindside the Board of Legislators,” Oros remarked. “The minute the subpoena was served on the Medical Center on January 30, a call should have been made to the board chairman. For it to be revealed two weeks later in the media is embarrassing and demonstrates a crack in the armor somewhere.”

Thee republican conference also questioned whether the county executive’s office was aware of the investigation before it was made public and failed to inform the Board of Legislators.

“We’re all in this together,” Oros said. “There can’t be any secrets kept. The taxpayers are smarter than that and deserve better.”

The conference has renewed its call to Chairman William Ryan and the County Executive to immediately inform all members of the Board of Legislators or any relevant events or incidents that occur at or regarding the Westchester Medical Center and the Westchester County Health Care Corporation.









Westchester County Board of Legislators News Release

PAGE 2 of NUMPAGES 1




George Oros
Legislator, 1st District


NEWS RELEASE