Who Is Jim Parker?Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Posted by The Dean of Cincinnati
An autobiographical guest column by Jim Parker, Democratic candidate for Congressional District 2.
My father was a steelworker and my mother was a nurse’s aide. My Dad worked in the mills of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for 19 years before they told him to go home one day, just like they told thousands of other guys to leave and to NEVER come back. That was my first introduction to the word ECONOMY. He built the towboats that pushed the barges down the Ohio River where the Ohio River began. After he lost that job, he never really recovered.
He always had time for his children. He served his country in the late 1960’s during one of the most trying times in American military history. He smoked Lucky Strikes and drank Iron City Beer. He had many friends and everybody liked him. He always made people laugh and helped them to forget about their problems for awhile. He was a great man. I received a phone call in my office one morning that he had died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 48.
I have lived a life of poverty and hard work. I was once a Medicaid patient but only used the card one time. Nothing in my life ever came to me without effort. (Kind of like this Congressional campaign… I am gaining the reputation of being the hardest working candidate in Ohio history all throughout the communities of Southern Ohio.) I have driven thousands of miles and have personally knocked on the doors of more than 1,000 families who voted in last year’s special election. If you are reading this right now, you might be one of those people. If so, thank you for sharing a part of your life with me. It is an honor to have met so many people who live in Southern Ohio.
I graduated from high school at 17 and finished college four years later. Then, I went on to complete 2 Masters Degrees by the time I was 23 years old. I was the youngest member of my graduating class. I completed my Master of Business Administration at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Business. But more importantly, I completed my Master of Health Administration at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. My education was funded by student loans, grants, and part-time jobs and I paid my last semester’s tuition with a credit card.
I sent 4,300 resumes all over America to get my first hospital job. During the time that I was searching for employment, I temporarily replaced a woman who went on maternity leave as a Hospital Director of two departments. This was an internship during which I was paid $30 a day, 3 meals and a bed. I slept in a hospital room every night. That was where I learned that I love healthcare. I spent hours talking with patients and families every evening. I saw firsthand, how the Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security programs were so important to the people that live in the United States of America. Under my leadership, these programs will forever be protected.
Healthcare is my passion. The American healthcare system is the greatest in the world and it is at the very center of the American economy. If elected, I will save Medicare as we know it for the baby boom generation. If nobody does, it will be gone.
In the early 1990’s, I went on to work for Appalachian Regional Healthcare in the mountains of southeastern Kentucky and West Virginia. I was quickly promoted to Assistant Administrator of their Division of Home Health Services. This was a 4,000+ employee hospital chain with 11 hospitals, 18 home health agencies and 17 homecare stores in three states.
Then I was asked to interview for (and was awarded) the Assistant Administrator position at Whitesburg Appalachian Regional Hospital in Whitesburg, Kentucky. This hospital, although located in one of the poorest communities in the coalfields of southeastern Kentucky has been listed in the top 100 hospitals in America 4 times. There are more than 5,000 hospitals in America. When you are the Assistant Administrator of a hospital, you are essentially responsible for just about everything I the organization at one time or another. At Whitesburg, I learned the details behind the American healthcare system. I know more about Medicare than most members of the United States Congress. Hospitals are second only to nuclear facilities in the amount of regulation that they must successfully undergo on a continuous basis. At Whitesburg, we were one of the best hospitals in America because we worked together like a family. We loved our patients. We gave them the best healthcare possible by working together, despite all adversity, and guaranteed that EVERY patient was accepted regardless of his or her ability to pay. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. It was an honor to hold such a responsible position at such an early age. You learn to take life seriously really fast when you work as a healthcare leader.
I met my wife when I worked with that hospital chain. She is beautiful and kind and dislikes politics. I understand. It is a thankless profession. I wouldn’t even care about it myself except that somebody has to end the war, save Medicare and provide health insurance for every child in America. She is my life and without her, none of what I have been doing for the people of Southern Ohio would be possible. Two of our children were born in the Whitesburg Appalachian Regional Hospital when I was the Assistant Administrator. Our oldest, my stepson, was born in another hospital in the Appalachian mountains.
My wife is originally from Ohio and she wanted to live closer to her family. I am originally from the north so I wanted to move to Ohio too. After an exhaustive search, we left Kentucky because I was awarded the Assistant Administrator position at Pike Community Hospital in Waverly, Ohio. I worked there from 1998 until 2004. During that time, we built one of the most successful patient discount programs in the state of Ohio in, again, one of the poorest counties in the state.
Throughout my professional career, I have created more jobs and balanced more multi-million dollar budgets than any of the candidates in this election. And I understand the intricacies of healthcare financing better than most members of the United States Congress. My ideas for saving Medicare and providing health insurance for every child in America are necessary in this country right now. If somebody like me isn’t there to accomplish these objectives, who will? I once stood on a stage with Paul Hackett and he called me his personal healthcare expert.
Our children are enrolled in the Waverly, Ohio school system in Pike County. Our oldest played football for a few years and is on the track team. He is a good kid. He got his driver’s license a year ago. He recently started his first job at a local restaurant. Our daughter won the third AND the fourth grade spelling bees. She even competed against fifth graders this year. She read 100 books in the first grade. Our youngest is smart, funny and kind. We have great children and I have very much missed spending time with them since this campaign began.
In 2004, I was hired by a neighboring hospital and now work with their physician practices every day. During my interview, I told them that we live in Waverly, Ohio and want to live here for the rest of our lives. My current organization is also one of the top 100 hospitals in America. That only happens when lots of people work together, despite their differences, to serve their patients and their community. We don’t care about politics in healthcare; we care about people. I am very fortunate to work for and with some of the nicest people that I’ve ever known.
But not everybody is as fortunate as me. That’s one of the main reasons that I have been a candidate for US Congress two times in the last year. I have spoken with thousands of people who live in Southern Ohio and have asked them to believe in me because they deserve to know that somebody is willing to fight for them instead of only fighting for the rich and privileged. They need a Congressman who is willing to stand up against the oil companies, the health insurance companies and the prescription drug companies that have been robbing American families blind for years. In the America that I believe in, no person will ever be left behind.
I have worked tirelessly and long into the night on many days during this past year to offer a message of hope to the families of Southern Ohio. My only regret is that I won’t have the chance to meet every family that lives in Southern Ohio. (I would if I could but I am running out of time.) If I did get to meet everybody, maybe I’d be their Congressman for the next 30 years. And their lives would be forever better because of my efforts. Instead, I’ll either be the best Congressman they’ll ever have or the best Congressman they’ll never have. We will find out on May the 2nd…
I could write a lot more but I think that I’ve said enough. Now you know more about me than most of the people that I work with everyday. And if elected, I will be a Congressman that you can always be proud of… And you will never have to question my honesty. And you will never have to wonder if your Congressman is fighting for you because I always will. You see, this is not about me. It is about the people of Southern Ohio and I am honored to be one of them.
Thank you.
Jim Parker (for the American Dream)
Democratic Candidate for US Congress
http://jimparker4ad.blogspot.com/
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11 Apr 2006 at 08:32 am | #
Two things here:
First, Jim, it’s disingenious to tell the story you’ve told about how hard you’ve had to work and then turn around and say “oh, not everyone has had my opportunity”. I call shenanigans. If you can get up off your ass to make something of yourself, I’d expect the same out of anyone else who couldn’t afford college, etc. Don’t devalue hard work; it sets a bad example for the kids.
Secondly, what’s the deal with politicians who can run for multiple offices in a short time period? If your love of community is so strong that you would want to serve in Washington, you probably ought to confine your zeal to a single district, to make sure you’re giving them the amount of attention they deserve.
My two cents.
11 Apr 2006 at 09:16 am | #
Substitute - I may have concerns about his platform, but I don’t see any history of him running for any other races than Ohio 2nd District House rep. What other races are you refering too?
11 Apr 2006 at 09:33 am | #
Mr. Parker,
That’s a lot of years in the medical field. Sounds like you ought to be able to take on Doctor Howard Dean with all of that experience and all of those inroads. The game you are in now should tighten up for you the longer you’re in it. Good luck while you’re in this process. I know you need to support your family but PLEASE stay the course on what you know and what you can be the MOST effective at. I.E., go where the politicians don’t know even if it means less publicity or CONTINUING ON OUTSIDE your political career/status in campaigns. You can always brief or advise your comrades which they then can relay your political pull/knowledge. You obviously feel very committed to revamping healthcare and whatnot so I BEG you not to settle, as I’m sure the political process will force you away from the belly of the beast that you know best! I think you would be a great leader in the limelight for Cincinnati and our country. But I’m a realist and understand well that the hot issues have several KEY fronts outside of what a politician can do about them. Know what I mean? I’m sure you’ve gotten a great taste of what you can accomplish within your current endeavors. Again, I wish you the best of luck while you’re in the public square. But as an outside observer it’s very apparent that this road DEMANDS other agendas. Specialize in yours and don’t compromise - if this is in fact your sole agenda! Get out of the realm you’re in when the bubbles first begin to burst. Hopefully, that will be later rather than sooner. I for one know what it’s like to change directions frequently. It’s not fun. That’s why people like me are here for you, including the other great folks you’ve met.
I’d be interested to hear your reaction. Thanks for your time, effort and humility.
Sincerely,
One Concerned Citizen
11 Apr 2006 at 10:45 am | #
Jim,
Do you have any idea where I can get my hands on some magic beans?
-Jack
11 Apr 2006 at 11:02 am | #
Now for my favorite game - “Fill in the Word”: This is where you get to fill in the word to a famous song that best describes this candidate. Here we go:
Blank, I’m Blank for feeling so lonely
I’m Blank, Blank for feeling so blue
I knew you’d love me as long as you wanted
And then someday you’d leave me for somebody new
If you can’t get this, I’ll give another song.
11 Apr 2006 at 11:39 am | #
Can’t make it as a one issue candidate…...NEXT!
11 Apr 2006 at 12:01 pm | #
I thought of Gabby Downy and thought well maybe… I thought of Vic Wulson well maybe too…
I thought of Jim Parker and thought why not? He’s sincere and isn’t afraid to lay himself out and spill the beans…
You got my vote Jim Parker!
Peter Deane
2nd District Ohio
11 Apr 2006 at 12:14 pm | #
Shame on you commenters for discrediting someone in such a glib way. Whether you like him or not, Jim Parker cares. He deserves more than “NEXT!” At least keep the criticism polite and constructive.
11 Apr 2006 at 01:01 pm | #
Umm, Mr. Warner? Re-read my questions and comments.
“Good luck while you’re in this process… I think you would be a great leader in the limelight for Cincinnati and our country… Again, I wish you the best of luck while you’re in the public square… Hopefully, that will be later rather than sooner. I for one know what it’s like to change directions frequently. It’s not fun. That’s why people like me are here for you, including the other great folks you’ve met… I’d be interested to hear your reaction. Thanks for your time, effort and humility.”
Christ ‘O Mighty, I thought that was fairly replete with constructive criticism. ‘Shame on me.’ What? And don’t get me started on politeness unless you would like to apologize. Get Parker to respond and we’ll call it even. If you were talking about others who need to ease up I would say that I agree.
11 Apr 2006 at 01:07 pm | #
A.W.,
Or, talk to the Dean here and have him do it. I see that he produced this. Either way, I’m not ashamed. There’s not even a case for that with what I’ve said.
11 Apr 2006 at 01:10 pm | #
Jim, I like you, but I think you should lose the bucket even if it is sincere. I think your bio is way too long and you should be talking about more than one issue. It’s a very important issue, but not the only one. I was disturbed that you said we have the best health care system in the world. As you must know, 47 million americans don’t have any coverage and 18,000 people die every year because of it. We are the only industrialized nation in the world without single-payer universal health care.
11 Apr 2006 at 01:28 pm | #
One Concerned Citizen,
you were obviously not part of that group. That was for the Yossarian/Blue Gill types.
I hoped you could distinguish who my comments were meant for.
11 Apr 2006 at 02:11 pm | #
Andrew,
You are right, but where were you when fritsch called Spencer an Asshole? That was neither “polite” nor “constructive”. You never tell him to behave. No, you just make obscure movie references and note how my humor has been declining in my older years (actually I still think I’m funny, I just think that you can’t find anybody to explain my jokes to you). To help with the second part, I will type slower so that you might be able to keep up with me. Is it working?
Next - I am staying indoors just in case of an apocalypse. BlueGill and I actually agree on something!!! and that is scary because I personally think BlueGill is that douche bag Brinkman! jim Parker is a one issue candidate. Ask him about the economy and he will bring it around to healthcare. Talk about the war in Iraq and he will tell you about healthcare. Mention how much you enjoyed the coverage of curling this year and he will blurt out healthcare.
Also - the guy has no experience. I am sick of these guys who feel that they since everyone in their immediate group of friends thinks that they would be the best person to run congress, well damn!, they should be in congress. How about running for a local office first? How about City Council? How About State Rep? How about DogCatcher? Are you listening justin jeffre?!!!!
11 Apr 2006 at 02:18 pm | #
This is the second time someone told me they thought Blue Gill was Tom Brinkman.
But which Democratic Party tool is Yossarian? And I don’t mean that to slight the Democratic Party. It’s just that orthodox dogma is frightening, no matter its incarnation.
11 Apr 2006 at 02:19 pm | #
And also, Yo-Yo, what makes you think Spencer deserves anything?
11 Apr 2006 at 02:22 pm | #
Yossarian,
I’d bet you twenty dollars that when someone mentioned FDR standing for political gain they were confusing it with that movie… Which is why I mad that “obscure reference.”
Spencer defended himself very well on that post, engaged in conversation with Fritsch, and I made a small statement of support for him in those comments. They were able to turn that conversation into some type of productive discourse (most likely because you weren’t involved).
11 Apr 2006 at 02:27 pm | #
Sorry for the typo… I meant “made,” not “mad.”
11 Apr 2006 at 02:28 pm | #
Yossarian Landsman hits the head clearly on the nail once again. Experience is really important, take Stephanie Dumas for example, she has the experience but lacks the corporate backers and is therefore overlooked. Parker has experience and you are critical of his position. What have you done except droll on endlessly about how smart you are. Get a life and maybe you’ll be somebody one day. Until then your opinions are just that.
11 Apr 2006 at 02:40 pm | #
My Dad [dad] worked in the mills…
...helped them to forget about their problems for awhile [a while].
Then, I went on to complete 2 [two] Masters Degrees…
This was an internship during which I was paid $30 a day, 3 meals [how did you survive three meals during this entire tenure?] and a bed.
If elected, I will save Medicare [Medicare,] as we know it[,] for the baby boom generation.
When you are the Assistant Administrator of a hospital, you are essentially responsible for just about everything I the organization at one time or another [huh?].
We gave them the best healthcare possible by working together, despite all adversity, and guaranteed that EVERY patient was accepted regardless of his or her ability to pay…...[and again later] That only happens when lots of people work together, despite their differences, to serve their patients and their community.
11 Apr 2006 at 03:52 pm | #
On second thought…. Gabby Downy!
Peter Deane
2nd Congressional Distict of Ohio
11 Apr 2006 at 05:56 pm | #
Dean - Focus more on WHAT I write and less on WHO I am.
Andrew - maybe YOU should type slower. HA! Besides that, fristch’s entire post was not constructive. Give me a break.
Peter Deane - thank goodness you changed your mind. I like your posts -poetry and all. I must admit, I am not a big fan of Gabby, but she is better than parker.
The reason I am not a fan of Gabby is that she talks about her “high school sports” days, like they are a resume builder. I would expect people like fristch and Andrew Warner to include High School activities on resumes, because they haven’t graduated from college. But come on. Dean, do you put President of the Dungeons and Dragons Club on your resume? No, of course not. That would be silly. First, there is no room for it because of the 72-pt font that you use every time for the word “Oxford” and because you were actually only Vice-President. HA!
11 Apr 2006 at 05:59 pm | #
Yossarian, I think mayor is a local office, isn’t it?
11 Apr 2006 at 06:11 pm | #
I am focusing on what you write, Yo-Yo—it consists of orthodox Democratic dogma.
11 Apr 2006 at 06:59 pm | #
don’t forget my orthodox 8th grade humor - which could also be confused for orthodox green dogma. - HA!
11 Apr 2006 at 11:29 pm | #
Jim—
Great story, great biography. Nobody could read this and doubt your dedication to public service. As a voter I could use more information about your take on different issues (national security, taxes, immigration) - but this isn’t necessarily the setting for an in-depth explanation. Your obvious passion here has done enough to persuade me it’s worth learning more. (I tend to be more conservative, but I like my government balanced among the branches, and I’m willing to give on some issues for people that seem reasonable and willing to work across party lines.)
As to you other jabbering nitwads—
Outsiders can break through the “pay to play” electoral process - although it’s very hard - but they better be willing to walk the walk in such a way that their character, positions, and biography form one cohesive, compelling picture. In this respect folks like Jim Parker seem to have a lot in common with Nick Spencer.
12 Apr 2006 at 03:39 pm | #
Parker Rules! I read this and fell for him, it seems Hackett likes him too.
12 Apr 2006 at 06:13 pm | #
Mr. Parker:
If you are going into politics, I advise you to become a little more savvy in regard to your appearance. A more flattering bio photo is a good place to start.