In a stop in Youngstown Thursday, Governor Ted Strickland said he fully understands the importance of Forum Health in the area from his days as a member of Congress.
He also confirmed his support for efforts to keep Forum's assets intact and open.
"I don't know that the governor can solve the problem, but the governor certainly can be, and should, and I intend to be a partner in those efforts," Strickland said.
Recently, Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams and Congressman Tim Ryan have been working to find federal funding to ease some of Forum's credit issues. Speaking by phone from Chicago, the mayor said Thursday he'd like to see unspent stimulus money used for loan guarantees or even outright federal grants to preserve jobs.
While Williams said he's hoping Strickland's involvement, as well as some help from the Obama administration, can keep the system's board from making any rash decisions about its future, Strickland admitted his experiences suggest the bankruptcy process gives a significant advantage to Forum's creditors.
"Usually, the well-being of the employees and the impact upon the community, in my judgment, is not given adequate consideration," Strickland said.
Strickland said while he'll talk with anyone he thinks might be able to help the situation, he's also quick to admit he probably won't be making any calls directly to the White House looking for assistance.
Instead, he said, he and his staff may be able to make more headway talking with Washington staffers who may be in a better position to influence where federal money is spent.
Forum will head back to court next week.
Forum Health in March 2009 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Its facilities include Northside Medical Center, Austintown Ambulatory, Trumbull Memorial Hospital and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital. Currently, the system, which employs about 3,400, is $133 million in debt. In court, there are three bidders for the entire system and one interested in Hillside only.
