Pishkur chose the hard route

Pishkur chose the hard route

EDITOR:

This letter is written in response to the forced resignation of Walter “Buzz” Pishkur as Forum Health’s Chief Executive Officer. Far too often elected officials, as well as executives, place their own personal interests above the interests of those they serve. It is refreshing to know Buzz is not such an individual. Those of us who know Buzz, worked for or with him, realize he has always placed the interests of his employees and those he serves far above his personal interests. We believe this was witnessed during his tenure as CEO of Forum Health.

When Buzz accepted the position of CEO, he fully realized he had an almost insurmountable task of making North Side Hospital an economically viable institution. He had a choice — take the easy route and close the hospital, or roll up his sleeves, work several extra hours a day, seven days a week, in an attempt to preserve 1,400 jobs, $1.5 million in taxes for the city of Youngstown, as well as preserving a valuable health resource for the community. For Buzz, the choice was obvious. The best interests of the community came above his own personal interests, even if it cost him his position with Forum Health. How many other individuals would have made such a choice?

Buzz may have lost his position as CEO, but he gained the respect of the entire community.

AL and MARCIA SAULINE

Hubbard