My opening remarks at the Senior Caucus candidate forum:
Hello members in Olympia, Spokane and Seattle. Thank you for giving me this time to speak to you.
My name is Jay Sundahl and I am running for the chair of the Standing Nominating committee because this is an office that is vital to the membership.
I have received my health care from Group Health for over 30 years.
I have been active in consumer governance for about 10 years as part of the
• Northgate Medical Center Advisory Council,
• the Assembly,
• the Senior Caucus Executive Committee,
• the Cooperative Development Committee,
• and the Standing Nominating Committee.
I am a retired software developer. I've been a lead developer. I've had experience with contract service providers and have been a contract developer myself. At Group Health I've chaired the Assembly and am currently chair of my Medical Center Advisory council.
The Standing Nominating Committee was formed in 1979 to nominate a slate of diverse candidates. It is composed of members like you.
Our bylaws ask the Standing Nominating Committee to make every effort to nominate a competitive slate of candidates. I believe it is important to give members a meaningful choice in candidates.
Recently the Standing Nominating Committee has been given the duty of setting the compensation for the Board. Previously the Board set its own compensation. As a new process I think we are still working out the kinks. The committee can and should be more transparent to the cooperative about proposed changes and solicit opinions about trustee compensation from the membership as well as outside advisers.
You are probably aware that Group Health is not a cooperative but is legal organized as a not for profit corporation. However, it has traditionally aspired to reflect cooperative values. I believe that keeping the cooperative spirit alive requires action by all of us, including our board members. It is important to continue to consider the candidates support for the cooperative nature of Group Health.
To reiterate what I wrote in my candidate statement, I intend to
• make sure all the Committee members can participate,
• get our work done on time,
• conform to the Cooperative Bylaws,
• keep the process fair,
• make the process as comfortable as possible for everyone involved,
•and keep out of the way when others are doing their job.
I'd appreciate your vote to help me keep the Cooperative Spirit alive.
