Cass Republicans Receive Cass Medical Report

Cass Republicans Receive Cass Medical Center Report; Hear from Hartzler and Cook

Harrisonville – The Cass County Republican Committee took time to learn about the new Cass Medical Center being constructed in Harrisonville at their monthly meeting in June.

Sonya McLellan, Executive Director for the Cass Medical Center, gave a complete presentation on the construction project and projected services that will be provided by the Medical Center. The new facility will have 138,000 square feet, which doubles the size of the current facility. CMC is a critical service hospital that will provide 21 medical/surgical beds, 4 intensive care unit beds, and 10 behavioral health unit beds. The increased space will give the CMC the ability to handle more outpatient services, providing specialists clinics and outpatient procedures. The Emergency Room capacity will expand from 5 beds to 11 beds in the new facility. CMC is looking to July 2009 for completion.

“An independent consulting firm looked at CMC’s existing facility and the cost of renovation and expansion. Their findings concluded that the cost of building new was nearly equal to what it would cost to renovate or expand,” stated McLellan. “The decision was clear that constructing new was best.”

Representative Brian Baker asked that the CMC work to share more facts about how the county hospital serves the entire Cass County area and works with Research Belton Hospital. “Citizens in the north end of the county are paying a tax to help keep this hospital in play and it is imperative that we are fiscally accountable and explain the need for services and how both entities work together.”

McLellan also noted that the increasing population and county needs clearly showed the Board of the Cass Medical Center there was a need to be proactive in thinking about the future. “Research Belton offers a great service in the north, but as the population grows, there is a need for us to grow and offer services. We have a very good working and management relationship with HCA and Research Belton.”

Cass Republicans also took time to hear from special guests Bill Cook and Vicky Hartzler.

Vicky Hartzler took time to share about her new book “Running God’s Way.” The book is focused on helping candidates run for office using positive and sound campaign methods. The book focuses on helping candidates look at Christian principles in running for office, such as being professional, kind, debate issues without being negative, and many other campaign strategies. Hartzler has been traveling the state and meeting with groups about the book and even presented the book to some groups in Washington DC.

Candidate for South Commissioner Bill Cook was the final guest for the night. He took time to share with Cass Republicans his vision for the county. “We have the potential to be great,” stated Cook. “My vision is to help our county create a plan for the future, to work to maintain our rural and farm heritage, improving our roadways and bridges, while at the same time helping local communities attract business and jobs.”

Cook said he will encourage departments like Planning & Zoning and Codes Enforcement to serve the people of Cass and not dictate. “This is about servant-leadership,” stated Cook. “It’s about serving the people and creating a positive image for Cass County.”

Cass County Republicans will meet next at the Belton Comfort Inn on Thursday, July 10 @ 7pm.