Grady Going White?

Saturday's Atlanta Journal Constitution had a front page story about the potential leadership change at the major metropolitan public hospital.

Recently Grady Memorial Hospital has been threatened by insolvency. Cash flow solutions have been improved by state and private investment. Part of the reorganization plan includes a restructure of the board of trustees. A potential head of the board may be Pete Correll, former head of Georgia-Pacific, a successful manufacturing corporation based in Atlanta.

Pete Correll has been involved in civic issues. He was involved in getting the state flag changed. He is on the board of Central Atlanta Progress, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Keep America

During his time as senior vice-president at Georgia-Pacific, Pete Correll kept his company strong during a period of increasing foreign competition coupled with manufacturing base of out-moded equipment.

In short, this is capable man who wants to serve his community by offering his skills to a business full of financial landmines and governmental intrusion. So what is the problem?

Joseph Beasley, the Souhern regional head of the Rainbow Coalition said:

I think it would be a horrible choice, I think it vindicates what I've been saying, that there is an ulterior motive, that the business community is trying to grab Grady.

and

He comes from a business mindset, I don't think he'll have empathy for the people that Grady has historically served.

Reverend Tim McDonald said:

That ain't going to fly, they need a more respected, neutral an objective person who will listen to all sides and not just focus on the bottom line

Then the AJC added that numerous inquires were not responded to by current Chairwoman Paula Stephenson.

• The real unpsoken issue, to the community leaders is that Pete Correll is not black, not capable of empathy for those in need.
• This hospital is primarily funded by public money, it will always be that way, to suggest anything other is ludicrous. Do you think that Beasley really believes that Correll's objective to to run the hospital out of business, tear it down, and build condominiums for his white friends? That IS was he was implying.
• By its current mode Grady went bankrupt. This is mainly due to health care cost control issues. But it also because politcal patronage, the hopital is overstaffed with members of the local community, much the the same as Fulton and Dekalb county goverments and MARTA.
• How well would the hospital serve it's community if it were closed?
• Have the communty leaders considered that a well run hospital might provide better service?