Conflict of Interest in Peoria Emergency Medical Services

CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN PEORIA EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

 

"A conflict of interest occurs when an individual's personal interests – family, friendships, financial, or social factors – could compromise his or her judgment, decisions, or actions in the workplace." (Internet definition)

 

For over two decades I have thought that there is conflict of interest in Peoria's EMS (Emergency Medical Services). There are many people and organizations with their thumbs in this lucrative pie. 

The Journal Star ran an article the other day about two candidates in the mayoral race in Peoria--Jim Montelongo and Sid Ruckriegel. Jim suggests that there are many potential "conflicts of interest" if Sid were elected mayor because his longtime partner is Andrew Rand. Rand is Peoria County Board Chairman and the CEO of Advanced Medical Transport (AMT).

AMT is the Peoria ambulance company that has the exclusive 20-year contract with the City of Peoria to be the only advanced life support and transport agency in Peoria. And this contract is voted on by the Peoria City Council.  

For years AMT has employed Dr. George Hevesy who had been the Project Medical Director in the Peoria area for many years. For the past 25 years, George and AMT (amongst others) have successfully helped keep the Peoria Fire Department out of the Advanced Life Support and Transport business. When taxpayers in Peoria have called 911 for medical emergencies over the years, they are getting much less than they expected. 

In the Journal star article, Sid seemed miffed that Jim Montelongo would suggest the possibility of conflict of interest if Sid is elected. Sid replied that he would be "mindful of my duties at all times" and act "professionally as any fiduciary would."