County Commissioners Spar Over Children’s Hospital Board Member Requirements

An interesting argument at Monday’s El Paso County Commissioners Court meeting.

The debate centered on the requirements for members of the new Children’s Hospital board.

Commissioner Willie Gandara, Jr., had the biggest objection to some of the bylaws, including one specifically requiring that all of those recommended for the board have a bachelor’s degree.

“The people who are selected have to be vice presidents, financial advisors, CEO’s of companies,” Gandara said, “So you’re being kind of elitist.”

Commissioner’s Court, which appoints all of the members of the University Medical Center board, only has the power to recommend potential members for two spots on the 11-member Children’s Hospital board.

Gandara started the discussion by objecting to the bachelor’s degree requirement, but he added that he would prefer that Commissioner’s Court have the power to appoint members to the Children’s Hospital board, not just recommend.

Commissioners Dan Haggerty and Sergio Lewis agreed.

But commissioners Anna Perez and County Judge Veronica Escobar pointed out the bylaws for the Children’s Hospital board were set two years ago during a discussion in which Gandara did not participate.

“It’s not all that productive to raise issues years after the decision has been made,” Escobar said, “Especially when you had an opportunity to provide input.”