Armand DISMISSED

RALPH ARMAND DISMISSED as Administrator of Jefferson County Health Department Today!! Thank you to everyone willing to take a stand for the victims of the deadly tornado and decades of abuse at the hand of our corrupt health department administrator. A new administrator will be named at the Board of Health meeting on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 12:30 pm. https://youtu.be/x4PGCHdoN08 Serious concerns still remain with a lack of  accountability and transparency with our current health officer and administration. Unresolved policy and permit issues with tornado victims and others will continue to be addressed and communicated with our Commissioners and the Board of Health. Now is the time to share your thoughts and opinions on how to make our health department responsive to the citizens.

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The Buck Stops Here

Notice: Board of Health Special Meeting 4/17/2012 at 12 Noon Last minute reminder: The board of health is meeting at 12 noon to publicly address the myriad of concerns with the administration of the health department.Most pressing is the mandate from the Commissioners to remove Armand and restore accountability and integrity to the department.If at all possible, please attend in support of all victims of this corrupt administration and don't allow them to pass the buck any longer.Health Department: 812-273-1942715 Green Road Madison, IN 47250 (map)

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Pass the Buck

An informal petition drive organized by concerned citizens procured more than 2,000 Jefferson County taxpayer signatures demanding the removal of Ralph Armand. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WILLING TO TAKE A STAND ! The petition was presented to the Board of Health last Tuesday and acknowledged by Julie Berry at the Commissioner's meeting on Friday, a pertinent fact curiously omitted by the Madison Courier. I wonder why?  Commissioner Berry also admitted that over the YEARS, she has received numerous complaints regarding our health department administrator … [and yet she did nothing.] In addition, the Commissioners continue to receive daily communication from a very frustrated and angry public that as she put it, has expressed a “confidence issue” with the health department. We can always count on Commissioner Berry to be politically correct in her words, but what about her actions, or lack thereof? The Commissioners are responsible for appointing the health board members to 4-year staggered terms. Every year the Commissioners have an opportunity to make changes to the board … yet nothing ever changed and Armand was allowed to continue his victimization. Commissioner Berry is equally at fault in perpetuating the current “confidence issue” that has now infected not only the health department, but also Jefferson County’s highest executive branch. The Commissioners praised Dr. Hossler for his efforts to personally meet with some of the victims of the tornado and his administrator, Ralph Armand. However, more than 6-weeks later, three victims remain homeless, without resolution and a 4th victim has the burden of proof to prove their fully functional and grandfathered septic system is in a different location from the permit issued 16-years ago. Despite all the lip service, the current administration continues to dis-serve the public and defy logic in direct conflict with the intent of the resolution passed by the Commissioners to accommodate and assist the victims in rebuilding their homes and lives. Dr. Hossler as our appointed health officer is responsible for the administration of the health department. He has the authority to hire and fire his administrative staff, including Mr. Armand. Unfortunately, Dr. Hossler has chosen to defend his administrator - at the expense of the public trust. The board of health now must force their hand to protect the very public they are appointed to serve and they better. Shame on all you for passing the buck! Dr. John Hossler, MD

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Letter to Commissioners

Open Letter to Commissioner Tom Pietrykowski Thank you for heeding the concerns of your constituents and having the strength to take a public stand against the corruption that has oppressed Jefferson County for decades. As the county executive, you have demonstrated leadership by initiating necessary measures to protect the public from the very Health Department established to protect it. Contrary to Indiana law and their own mission statement, “The Jefferson County Health Department supports Jefferson County's economic prosperity and quality of life by promoting, protecting and providing for the health of Jefferson County residents.” Our community has suffered far too long at the hand of the current administration. Mainstays like the Chelsea General Store, Kent Mercantile, Mundt's Candies, Big D’s BBQ, and countless other family owned restaurants and food establishments have been forced out of business. The cost of simply doing nothing has already cost us dearly in lost commerce and jobs, broken spirits and financial ruin of countless victims, and a nefarious reputation as “a nice place to visit but you don’t want to live there.” Under the authority granted to our health officer, Dr. John Hossler, MD and the local board of health, Ralph Armand, their administrator has been allowed to perpetuate a hostile environment rife in corrupt business practices, including market control, harassment and intimidation of others through threat of retaliation, all in clear violation of Federal Anti-Trust laws. By compelling our local health department to take immediate corrective actions to remove Mr. Armand, you and Commissioner Mark Cash are the catalyst to restore integrity to our county government and protect taxpayer dollars from the very real threat of costly litigation. You have acknowledged that basic reform also demands pertinent policy and administrative changes towards transparency, accountability and fairness. This includes, but is not limited to complete restructuring of the existing permit process for the food service sector, septic systems and qualifications to become an approved installer. Also, at a minimum, our health board/officer/administrator should include at least one soil scientist or other certified professional or third party qualified to advise on septic issues and concerns, and the appeals process must be conspicuously disclosed, unbiased and responsive to the people. As long as you stay true to your word, you will have earned the respect and trust of the people, allowing Jefferson County to flourish once again. Thank you.

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Bad Apple

One Bad Apple Thank you to Ruby Wehner for graciously opening her home to a concerned community. The meeting allowed victims of the septic permitting and food service sectors to find a common voice. Intimidation, harassment and fear of retaliation, all common denominators endured at the hand of the entire health department administrative staff. It is clear that one bad apple has been allowed to spoil the whole bunch. Continuing this pattern, more than 5-weeks have passed since the deadly tornado devastated Chelsea. The victims are still without resolution; without a building permit; without a home; unable to move forward - entirely because the county and State are erroneously relying on the unsubstantiated and arbitrary opinions of one man, Ralph Armand. The State and County agencies have expressed sympathy, but mostly empty-handed offers to help. No none dares to question Armand’s authority. It is time to get off the endless loop of empty promises. Dr. John Hossler is the county Health Officer responsible to the State and the citizens of Jefferson County for the administration of the health department. He has failed to protect the citizens of Jefferson County and must be held accountable. Please attend the next commissioners and board of health meetings or call:  JCHD Chairman Dr. Patrick Leahey at 812-265-1556 and Commissioner Tom Pietrykowski at 812-839-3685 right away to express your concerns.

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