The Llano Ledger
Newsletter Text V104
Accessing The Llano Ledger Website Without Generously Providing
Financial Assistance To This Publication Not Only Denies Desperately
Needed Funds For Investigative Expenses, But Amounts To Theft Of This
Writer's Labor
*************Continuation Of July 30, 2001 Newsletter**************
Again, Mr. Leeper or his colleague apparently didn't appreciate the new
Open Records Request, however. The following e-mail exchange with the
District Attorney's office occurred earlier today:
Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2001 12:29:22 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tim Chorney Add To Address Book
To: 33rdda@tstar.net
Subject: Grand Jury - Medical Records Subpoena
Reply-To: llanoledger@theofframp.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sam Oatman
District Attorney
33rd Judicial District
Llano, Tx. 78643
Re: Grand Jury - Medical Records Subpoena
Dear Mr. Oatman:
Finally verified the authenticity of the enclosed documents through the
District Judge's office in Burnet. Kindly understand, I was not able to
open both attachments and have not read either.
Certainly wouldn't miss
the opportunity to share any evidence of looting by Hospital employees,
however -- if that indeed is the substance of the subpoena. ... Hell, Sam,
you didn't even need a subpoena for that. You could have just asked. Always
want to do my civic duty, you understand.
Will protect all sources, however,
regardless of the personal cost. -- Even jail. Be a hell of a story of
prosecutorial abuse if you flex your muscles, wouldn't it? Make my day.
Certainly would prove allegations of corruption and abuse leveled at you on
both websites, don't you think?
... Can't imagine your interest in the
records, however, since you seem to always conveniently protect your own,
only selectively prosecuting. -- Turning over a new leaf? Couldn't be,
could it? Or is this just another gutless attempt at intimidation by you
or one of your goons?
Why not sign any messages sent to this publication?
Why resort to subterfuge? Be advised, your "return-receipt" applet screwed
up the Mailcity server. The account is still not working properly, necessitating
the use of this account. ... Then again, that's part of the game, isn't
it, sir? How you and the "Boys" get your cookies off, no? Thanks for the
additional fodder. Truly grateful.
Wouldn't want you or your goons to struggle to deliver a legitimate subpoena,
however. I'll be at your office in Llano either later today or tomorrow.
... Need to post the current edition first, however, -- including your
correspondence. Thanks again, for the additional fodder. Despite the deliberately
induced problems with the mail account, you've made my day.
Sincerely,
Tim Chorney
The Llano Ledger
http://maxpages.com/llanoledger
http://maxpages.com/llanoledger2
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam, Tx. 78609
cc: Llano Ledger website
Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2001 11:39:52 -0500
From: "Tim Chorney"
[add to address book] [add to spam block list]
Subject: Re: 33 Sch 2000
Organization: Lycos Mail (http://mail.lycos.com:80)
To: "33rd DA" <33rdda@tstar.net>
Reply To: llanoledger@lycos.com
Hi Sam:
Couldn't open the attachment on either message. ... Why not have
the guts
to sign your correspondence, -- particularly if it is indeed
a subpoena?
Or is that too much to ask?
Tim Chorney, Publisher
The Llano Ledger
http://maxpages.com/llanoledger
http://maxpages.com/llanoledger2
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam, Tx. 78609
On Mon, 30 Jul 2001 11:06:56
33rd DA wrote:
>Hi! How are you?
>
>I send you this file in order to have your advice
>
>See you later. Thanks
Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2001 09:36:21 -0500
From: "33rd DA"<33rdda@tstar.net>
[add to address book] [add to spam block list]
Subject: Grand Jury - Medical
Records Subpoena
To: llanoledger@mailcity.com
Hi! How are you?
I send you this file in order to have your advice
See you later. Thanks
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Grand_Jury_-_Medical_Records_Subpoena.doc.pif
Size: 152728 byte(s)
Type: application/mixed
********************************
Human nature being what it is, there is truly never a dull moment.
Never. At exactly the scheduled end of the previous records inspection,
the newly hired Administrative Assistant, following instructions from
the Executive Secretary, interrupted this writer and the Administrator
to announce the inspection was indeed over.
Desperately stifling a laugh and carefully managing not to crack a
smile, I looked at Leeper and seriously asserted: "This is what I have
to put up with constantly." ... Apparently either the Administrative
Assistant hadn't yet been introduced to the Administrator (highly
unlikely), or we have a classical example of the "tail wagging the
dog", no?
Again, the Administrator looked like the proverbial deer caught in the
glare... Interestingly, the Executive Secretary happened to show up
when Mr. Leeper was preparing to make copies of Board minutes. She
attempted to get him to charge this writer the customary 10 cents per
copy. When he instructed her there would indeed be no charge this time,
she walked off in a huff.
... Felt truly sorry for the Administrator and his Chief Financial
Officer. ... It has to be hard as hell to come into an organization
staffed with people there long before their arrival, -- with an office
culture hostile to change. Then again, what else is new? During
presentation of the latest inspection results to be posted shortly,
more from both men will be reported.
Hospital Board minutes appear to indicate the financial condition of
the Hospital is indeed improving. Consider the following excerpt from
the April 26, 2001 minutes:
VI.
"Jerry Farley reported to the Board that on the Profit & Loss
Statement showed 1.7M less Contractuals of 1.3M and 1.2M for expenses
leaves a $16,000 profit for the month.[March 2001] The profit for the
10 months is $750,419.07. Jerry Farley also asked that a line for
Indigent Care be added to the new format. Michael Choate projected
$500,000 in the bank. His biggest concern is the cash has dropped off.
He is watching it closely. We are still projecting 1.4M in revenue this
month. We have reduced the Accounts Receivable by $1M. There is still
more work that needs to be done. The outside collection agencies have
really only just received the accounts they are to work for us. It is
too early to tell how they are doing. They will be monitored very
closely. Jerry Farley stated that we topped out in December in Accounts
Payable at $1,739,778.89. We have lowered it to $1,280,844.33. Accounts
Payable is still trending down. It is going to take a while to
liquidate it. Kevin Leeper will bring a copy of the Aging for the
Accounts Payable to each Board Meeting for review by the Board."
The May 24, 2001 minutes are equally positive:
V.
"Michael Choate is projecting [cash flow] less than $90,000, but well
above $500,000 for this month.[April 2001] We had good collections on
Medicare.
We are making good progress on Accounts Receivable. The A/R is
coming down in all categories. 161.52 in days are better, but still
needs improvement.
We are still paying down our accounts payable. We are taking an
aggressive stand to pay A/P. Our days are down to 61.32. That is down
$10,000 from last month. We are working to bring down the days to less
than 40.
Mike Center wanted Jerry Farley to show our goals. J. Farley
intends to set benchmarks with the Finance Committee soon. It will be
reflected in the budget.
Kevin Leeper will begin reporting capital expenditures."
Although further commentary from the CEO and CFO will be presented
later in the review of the latest employee expense reports, the
following is an excerpt from the April 26, 2001 Board minutes regarding
EMS looting of Llano County taxpayers:
IX.
"Discuss Recommendations from Special Committee on EMS
Jerry Farley reported that the County Court met yesterday and agreed to the following EMS subsidy arrangement:
1. Continue the current $12,500/month specified in our contract.
2. Starting with October 2000, pay any additional shortfall to be deducted from the $250,000 advanced last year.
3. Starting with October 2000, allow us to reserve $5,000/month for
replacement of capital equipment. This amount to also be deducted from
the $250,000 advanced last year.
4. Should the need for subsidy ever drop below the $12,500 contract amount, we will credit any remaining advanced funds.
Farley reported that requested documentation had been prepared for
each of the months (October, 2000 through March, 2001) to support the
deduction, and that the amount proposed would eliminate about half of
the $250,000 advance.
The county will prepare a supplemental agreement covering this arrangement for our approval.
We have concluded negotiations with LBJ Mud for financial matters
resulting from our former EMS contract with them, and are proposing to
accept $6,568 from them as final settlement.
LBJ MUD is contracting with Secure Care for an air EMS unit to be located in Horseshoe Bay for service to the surrounding area.
We are currently operating three EMS units, two in 911 service and one for backup and transfers."
The following excerpt regarding EMS is from the May 24, 2001 minutes:
VIII.
"Discuss Recommendations from Special Committee on EMS
We have signed a contract with the County. We are offsetting our
advance of $250,000 given to us for costs in excess of collections of
EMS. The Balance is down to approximately $110,000."
**************************************
Although records inspection time was severely reduced, an
additional $4203.10 was found in seminar expenses. At a time LMHS is in
severe financial distress, Board President Dr. Wm. Willoughby took an
"educational" junket costing $972.38. Interesting, isn't it? While
continuing "education" is indeed important, most of these junkets took
place with no expense spared, -- to exotic locations such as South
Padre Island. ... Usually at Best Westerns, and often involving
overnight trips to locations not quite so far, such as San Antonio
where the need for accommodations is highly suspect. Then again,
Hospital personnel have to be "taken care of", don't they?
Another $220.00 was found in Special Needs, -- employee "hardship"
grants. $1173.36 was squandered in tuition for a "student" who achieved
only a "C". Records indicate "students" are 100% reimbursed for an "A",
80% for a "B", and 60% for a "C". -- Hell of a return, isn't it? Why
are employees reimbursed at all for attaining anything less than a "B"?
-- Wouldn't want Hospital personnel to suffer any pain, would we?
Outrageously, another employee was reimbursed $30 when a locksmith from
Marble Falls had to open her car after the keys were locked inside. Why
the hell didn't she pay the g-ddamned bill herself?
When challenged regarding the expenditure of Hospital funds at a
topless club in Austin, the Chief Financial Officer said he would have
no way of knowing whether or not a club was indeed a sexually-oriented
business. Interesting, isn't it? ... Although having no personal
opposition to topless clubs myself, Readers are reminded, LMHS is
indeed a public institution subject to ethical standards different from
those in private business.
The Administrator asserted, unlike First Responders, EMS paramedics are
in fact paid by the Hospital. In principle, he has no problems with
them being reimbursed for $10-$12 meals at some of Austin's finest
restaurants such as the Cattlemen's Club. He further asserts LMHS must
remain competitive with other hospitals who similarly allow their
employees to loot healthcare funds. Interesting, isn't it? Wouldn't
want greedy personnel to eat a bagged meal, would we? All joking aside,
the Administrator's rationale is shared by healthcare professionals
nationwide, -- precisely why the industry is desperately hurting and
indeed heading towards socialized medicine.
Although inspection time was abbreviated, an additional $17,723.40 in
employee "expense" reports was found, bringing the grand total so far
to $224,228.63. -- For a period of time dating back approximately two
and a half years.
******"President" Panders To Right"*****
That's right. Once again, George "The Tush" Bush is catering to the
Extreme Right. The "President" has refused to provide federal
assistance to a contraceptive services program strongly endorsed by
Republican New York Governor George Pataki. Bottom line? Pregnancies of
low-income New Yorkers will increase, leading to additional abortions.
... Nothing quite like aggressive stupidity, no? While the Fascist
Right is indeed opposed to abortion, it equally objects to government
funding of all reproductive services including contraception. ... "Just
say no", assert these dolts. Sadly, the Right has its head securely
lodged up its ass. When abortions consequently increase, these
"religious" bigots can look in the mirror. Interestingly, the
"President's" reticence will cause the Republican governor unwanted
political difficulties with his constituents as midterm elections
approach.
*****Gramm And McCain Stall Mexican-Truck Standards Vote*****
That's right. Sen. Phil "Flim Flam" Gramm and his Arizona colleague
temporarily blocked a vote on stricter standards for Mexican
18-wheelers. These trucks are notoriously ill-maintained and pose a
threat to U.S. motorists. Ole' Phil, however, is apparently more
concerned with the interests of his cronies in big business than the
safety of his constituents, phonily crowing: "I am not going to let
Mexico be discriminated against...I don't think it is right. I don't
think it is fair." Is that right, Phil? The senator is disingenuously
playing the "race card" to conceal his true motive, -- greed.
Fascinating, isn't it?
*****A Different Standard...*****
An indentified, apparently intoxicated, FBI supervisor became
highly abusive to hospital staff in an emergency room in 1997. This
individual was also equally abusive to police dispatched. His
punishment? None. He was conveniently transferred to FBI headquarters.
... Unlike other equally offending rank and file agents who received
far harsher treatment under similar circumstances.
*****"Vice President" Stonewalls Records Release*****
That's right. Ole' "Slick Dick" Cheney is continuing to refuse
congressional requests for documents germane to his energy commission.
Apparently, the "Vice President" is covering for energy executives who
heavily contributed to GOP coffers, and were then granted "access" to
"Administration" officials via the energy commission. ... Nothing quite
like "open" government, is there?
*****"Outkry"*****
Llano County resident and musician Gary Delz has launched a new
webpage on his band website dedicated to exposure of problems within
Llano County government and civic organizations. Mr. Delz is a former
police officer who is tired of abusive law enforcement. The Llano
Ledger is supportive of any and all who are courageous enough to expose
government corruption. Be sure to access http://www.powertrio.com and
click OUTKRY on the table of contents.
*****Perfection*****
Typographical errors drive you nuts? Been a problem for many area
publications, including this one. ... Especially since there is no
spell check function in the software provided by Maxpages. Being a
speed reader, it is also extremely difficult to proof-read one's own
material.
Compounding the problem is the limitation of the software itself. After
over two years of effort looking for a way around this perpetually
nagging problem however, a solution has finally been found. ... A
round-about way of finding most errors without use of a proof-reader.
Some of you may have noticed earlier editions being updated. Only
typographical errors are being corrected, however. -- Not substance.
Fortunately, there were far fewer errors than expected. Usually one or
two per edition so far.
... Extremely painful though, for a perfectionist. All joking aside,
typographical accuracy is important and every effort is made to ensure
it.
*****Unbridled Fear*****
As strongly asserted in the last thirteen Newsletters, gut-wrenching
fear generated by the Narcotics Enforcement Team is quite impressive.
After all, these Nazi stormtroopers not only outrageously intimidate
defendants and their gutless attorneys, but even innocent third parties
who have suffered at their corrupt and abusive hands.
Recently, a source came forward with allegations regarding the
death of a loved one under exceptionally curious circumstances. Sadly,
the survivor got cold feet.
Most pointedly and quite publicly, how in hell do you expect these
abuses to end if you don't have the guts to stand up and expose them to
the light of day?
Every time a source cowardly runs the other way, the corrupt and
abusive sons of bitches win. Every g-ddamned time. Worse yet, another
nail is driven into the coffin of liberty.
If you don't have the courage to stand up and do the right thing, why
should this writer continue to place himself in physical and legal
jeopardy trying to expose the outrageous corruption and abuse?
Despite the lack of financial assistance from a cowardly and
selfish community, the Llano Ledger and Llano Ledger 2 visitor count
stands in excess of 133,800. ... Over two years, now. For what?
Tim Chorney, Publisher
The Llano Ledger
Tim Chorney, Publisher
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam Tx. 78609
llanoledger@mailcity.com
Page Updated Mon Jul 30, 2001 5:18pm EDT