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