Election 2002: Healthcare district's existence at stake Election 2002: Healthcare district's existence at stake (August 14, 2002)

** Nine candidates run for three seats on Sequoia board.

By Renee Batti

Almanac News Editor

Voters will have a staggering nine choices on the November ballot to fill three seats on the Sequoia Healthcare District's five-member board, but their choice will go far beyond who will win board membership.

That's because at least three of the nine candidates have declared their intent to dissolve the very district they would be elected to serve should voters give them the opportunity.

Among the candidates are Arthur Faro and Dr. Gerald Shefren, current members of the Sequoia district board that has come under fire two years in a row by the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury. The jury criticized the district, established in 1946 to build and operate Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, for continuing to collect property taxes although it sold the hospital in 1996 to Catholic Healthcare West.

Part of the sales agreement was that the district would provide a degree of oversight of the hospital's operation, although it would not operate it directly.

Running as a slate to gain the board majority and begin the process of dissolving the district are Jack Hickey of unincorporated Emerald Hills, Harland Harrison of Belmont and Warren Gibson of Belmont. Mr. Hickey, chairman of the San Mateo County Libertarian Party, said all three candidates are Libertarians, who "believe in small governments."

The platform of the three candidates on the slate, Mr. Hickey said, "is strictly to dissolve the district" and to ensure that "all assets of the district are returned to the taxpayer."

Although dissolution of the district can be initiated by the board, the question would have to be decided ultimately by voters in the district, which comprises Menlo Park, Atherton, Woodside, Portola Valley, Redwood City, San Carlos and Belmont.

But business as usual at the district could be disrupted even if the slate of candidates is unsuccessful in November.

David Rosner of Woodside, a retired tax attorney who served on the most recent civil grand jury, also is running for a seat on the board. Mr. Rosner said he wants the district to act on the recommendations of the grand jury, which include elimination of financial support by district taxpayers.

Arthur Bates of Menlo Park, a semi-retired optical instrument designer, filed his papers last week as well. He said he decided to run after receiving a phone call from a member of the local Libertarian Party, of which he is a member. The caller said the party is urging members to run for seats on the healthcare board as well as the harbor district and open space district boards, Mr. Bates said.

Mr. Bates said he wasn't knowledgeable about the civil grand jury's report and that his mind is open regarding the jury's criticism.

Also running are Sonya Sigler of San Carlos, who did not respond to the Almanac's e-mail message seeking comment; and Philip Brattain of Belmont, who could not be reached for comment before the Almanac's press time.

In an odd twist to the election kick-off, the deadline for filing papers in the Sequoia race was not extended, even though Cecilia Montalvo, whose seat is also open in the November race, did not file papers. Election deadlines were extended until Wednesday, August 14, in races in which an incumbent did not file for re-election by the Friday, August 9, deadline.

Technically, however, Ms. Montalvo is no longer an incumbent: She resigned her position on July 21.