Terry Cowgill

Huffing and Puffing About Sharon Hospital

June 8, 2006 on 10:38 pm | In Local, Main |

Last week’s disclosure that Sharon Hospital solicted its medical staff for donations to the re-election campaign of Rep. Nancy Johnson struck a chord with some members of the community. In researching the news article I wrote about the subject last week, I communicated with several physicians at the hospital — some off the record, some on. Most were not thrilled about being asked to contribute to a partisan political campaign.

And I understand there has been some adverse reaction to the editorial that appeared this week in The Lakeville Journal. That piece chastised — but was not harshly critical of — the hospital, its parent company and the judgement of hospital CEO Charlie Therrien, in deciding to hold a fundraiser breakfast for Johnson and for asking the medical staff not only to attend, but to give $500 to the Johnson campaign.

I have interviewed Therrien several times — both in person and on the phone — and have always found him to be a straight shooter and a very likeable guy. Other doctors with whom I have spoken say the same thing. Most think he has done a good job of running the hospital and are sympathetic to his goals.

But in a small organization I think it’s impossible to solicit your employees for donations for a partisan political campaign and have them feel positive about it (unless they already believe passionately in that candidate, but even then …). As The Journal editorial points out, just because it is legal doesn’t make it right.

As do most newspapers, those owned by The Lakeville Journal Company endorse candidates for election on our editorial pages. And that’s as it should be. Newspapers have a long tradition of taking leadership positions on key issues, including public policy. But I can tell you right now if I got a letter from my publisher or the head of our board of directors asking me to give to the campaign of Johnson’s challenger, State Sen. Chris Murphy (or any other candidate), I would not be happy about it, even if I happened to like Murphy’s politics.

Is holding a fundraiser for an office-seeker an appropriate use of company time? Can it be done without the whiff of intimidation, especially in a small shop? Can employees safely assume there will be no recriminations for a failure to participate, no matter how good the intentions of the employer? I think you know the answer.

P.S. It’s also bad business practice, as those employees who feel alienated as a result of their refusal to participate will no doubt be less productive.