Tag Archive for orlando va hospital

Thursday Morning Political Headlines: Orlando VA Hospital Delays and Scott’s Cabinet Tour Nemours

May 9, 2013 adam putnam, buddy dyer, florida politics, governor rick scott, jeff atwater, orlando politics, orlando va hospital, orlando venues, pam bondi No comments
Orlando VA Hospital drawing

It’s Thursday and the main story this morning is the continuing problems surrounding the construction of the new VA Hospital, here in the Orlando area, off of Lake Nona.

The facility, which thousands of local Veterans have patiently waited for, has been an epic parade of mistakes, set-backs, and finger pointing between the VA and the contractor.

Now the date being thrown around is April 14th with patients from nearby Lake Baldwin, eligible for care months later and new patients eligible approximately 7 months later.

Original estimates had the Hospital completed in 2012.

Florida Governor Rick Scott and his cabinet, consisting of Attorney General Pam Bondi, CFO Jeff Atwater, and Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam had their meeting here in Orlando, then toured the Nemours Children’s hospital. We’ve got video of that.

These are your Thursday morning Political Headlines.

WOFL FOX 35: VA hospital not likely to be completed before April 2014

Orlando Sentinel: VA says it learned mistakes from Orlando Hospital

WFTV 9 Eyewitness News: (Video) Gov. Scott cabinet meets in Orlando, tours Nemours hospital

CF News 13: In Depth: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on failed stadium bill

WKMG Local 6: (CNN) In spoof video, Christie pokes fun of fleece, 2016

WESH 2: (CNN) Sanford will no longer appear in court for trespassing

Mica on Airport Delays “If Ronald Reagan were President, we would not be in this mess”

April 26, 2013 florida politics, governor rick scott, john mica, sequestration No comments

At 70 years old John Mica can still throw down on in the House of Representatives.

The long time Winter Park Congressman took to the podium on Capitol Hill today to blast the Obama administration on it’s handling of the Air Traffic Controller furloughs brought on by the sequestration cuts that took effect at the beginning of the year.

Mica and Florida Governor Rick Scott have been very vocal about the furloughs that are causing hundreds of departures and arrivals, in and out of the state of Florida which could hurt tourism here in the Sunshine state.

“If Ronald Reagan were President, we would not be in this mess” Mica said during his floor time on the subject.

You can watch his one minute statement below (For you Michele Bachmann fans, the tea party Congresswoman and former Presidential candidate has a cameo while Mica is being announced.)

This isn’t the first time Mica has identified under staffing during operational delays. He also identified that construction on the new VA Hospital in Orlando was short several hundred workers last year.

2013 Anuario- Representante Daniel Webster Perfil

January 24, 2013 Uncategorized No comments

Representante Daniel Webster no has paro con su trabajo pues de ganando el Noviembre pasado. El tenia negociar para un acuerda para evitar el abismo fiscal. Junto con los ataques de el DCCC y los negocios para el proximo debito debatte. No hay resto para este Representante

Florida Politics con Frank Torres y hoy nosotros hablamos de Representante Daniel Webster. El tenia un fuerte 2012 con ganando su eleccion a despecho de ataque de el DCCC y tambien Alcade de Nueva York Mike Bloomberg tirando dos millones a luchar contra Webster.Todavia el sigo trabajando en los barrios hablando con los votantes y gano.

Que el necesito hace este ano? Obviamente vienen los negocios para el debito pero que yo querer a ve es el Webster de viejo. Ese politico que sabia como trae los dos lados junto. Estaban un tiempo cuando el siempre hacir eso pero en Washington es mas dificil.

Hay tambien el DCCC que piensa que ellos pueden roban ese siento en 2014. Mucho mas ataques vienen contra Webster. Como es va hace con un organizacion que nunca paran con el luchar.

Tambien hay el hospital para los Veteranos que todavia falta muchos mas trabajo. Webster necesito entrar ese proceso is poner mas influence para terminar ese proyecto.

*EN INGLES*

Orlando Political Yearbook 2013 – Congressman John Mica

January 9, 2013 Uncategorized No comments

John Mica had a terrific 2012, beating tough primary opposition and taking his prime spot as Chairman of the Transportation committee as far as it can go. Now, that he’s left that position, what’s next for the Winter Park Congressman?

Video Transcript:

Florida Politics with Frank Torres. This is Florida Political Yearbook profile on Congressman John Mica. John Mica in 2012 had an interesting year, a tough nationally watched GOP primary against his fellow Representative Sandy Adams. He ultimately went on to win that primary, fairly easy but pretty intense there for a while, making everyone take sides. He had an easy general election contest to get re-elected which brings us to this year.

He’s not the chairman of the Transportation committee anymore, a powerful assignment in Washington, he doesn’t have that anymore. He’s got Sunrail coming is he going to be able to make for that leverage he lost. Most likely he will, it’s obviously getting built. That was one of his biggest goals in office. In addition, there is the VA Hospital, he was outfront with Sandy Adams trying to get the thing built. The whole thing has been delayed for, I guess you could call it years now. As disputes between VA and contractors continue. So, in addition to the debt ceiling, transportation, budget fights, the VA Hospital and all of the other congressional things, John Mica should be pretty busy. That is your 2013 Political yearbook profile for John Mica. I’m Frank Torres, I’ll see you next time.

Sunrail is on the way. Is the region and Mica ready for it?

Sunrail is on the way. Is the region and Mica ready for it?

Orlando Political Yearbook 2013 – Congressman Daniel Webster

January 9, 2013 Uncategorized No comments

Representative Daniel Webster hasn’t stopped moving since winning re-election last November. He’s had to deal with random DCCC attacks in addition to dealing with the fiscal cliff, the oncoming debt ceiling debate and constituent services. No rest for the long time lawmaker.

Video Transcript:

Florida Politics with Frank Torres. And, this is your Political Yearbook preview for Congressman Daniel Webster. Webster had a good 2012 being able to win re-election to Congress against strong opposition despite, being targeted by the DCCC and Mayor Mike Bloomberg of New York who poured millions into that race. He did however, run a strong ground game to win re-election.

What does 2013 hold in store for Daniel Webster, obviously he’s going to have to tackle the national debt, but he should try to use that bi-partisan statesmanship we saw in Tallahassee, I know that’s difficult to do in that bigger environment but those kind of initiatives that we saw from the much respected State Representative is what we need to be spread around up there. Tough challenge but one that is possible.

He’s also got to worry about the DCCC. It’s funny, after he beat his opponent, they didn’t go away, they kept sending attack emails because they want his seat. And they’ll continue to target him, apparently until they get it. So, in addition to the debt, and constituent services, he’s still got to worry about the DCCC lobbing attack emails, like there is still an election happening. That’s another challenge he’s dealing with.

Also, the VA hospital. With re-districting, the Veterans lost a fighter with Mica and Adams having to battle each other and Adams leaving office. I would really like to see Daniel Webster step in and really get the dog-gone VA hospital fixed. It’s been delayed too long. To see him “outfront” on that would be a terrific service to his constituents. For Florida Politics with Frank Torres, I’ll see you next time.

Webster's common sense approach is much needed in DC

Webster’s common sense approach is much needed in DC

Wednesday Morning Political Headlines: Black Swans at Eola, Orlando VA Hospital Delays lead to finger pointing

June 27, 2012 Uncategorized One comment

This week has been PR gold for Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and it’s only Wednesday.

The beginning of the week had the rumored Gubernatorial candidate coming to terms on renovations for the Citrus Bowl renovations with Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs; A move that will keep the venue competitive for national events and temporarily halt questions over his ability to work with Jacobs and on Tuesday he showed his kinder and gentler side releasing two black swans into Lake Eola. A photo opportunity most politicians would shout for.

Two days, two wins.

The real credit goes to Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan who purchased the swans and has also sponsored the city’s growing Urban Chicken program that allows city residents the chance to house two “fowl” creatures (see what I did there?).

Perhaps Dyer could advise the Department of Veterans affairs and the contractors behind the delays of the Orlando VA Hospital. Today we’ve got more bad news over the finger pointing that has delayed the badly needed facility that has thousands of Veterans waiting.

In other more serious political news, we’ve got video content on poll closings in Osceola County, and poll numbers that have President Obama ahead in Florida over Mitt Romney on the eve of the controversial health care ruling.

These stories lead your Wednesday morning political headlines.

WESH 2: (VIDEO) Black swans released in Lake Eola

Orlando Sentinel: VA, contractor try to sort out Orlando hospital delay

WFTV 9 Eyewitness News: (VIDEO) Some question closing of polling places in Osceola County

CF News 13: Swing state poll shows support for Obama

WKMG Local 6: Seminole County to vote on property tax increase

WOFL Fox 35: (AP) Obama to host White House picnic for lawmakers

The two swans released on Tuesday should have more freedom than this one photographed last year.

Saturday Morning Political Headlines: Biden Footage, More Orlando VA Hospital Problems

June 16, 2012 Uncategorized No comments

Happy Saturday Morning, I hope your weekend is off to a great start. It’s been a busy week and the next one shows no signs of slowing down. Enjoy these two days of quiet, it’s about to get crazy in Central Florida.

Yesterday, Vice President Joe Biden was in town addressing the conference of Mayors. The VP’s speech was a subdued address with a general election feel. There are several links links to video below.

Then there is the construction of the new Orlando VA Hospital. This thing is an embarrassing mess.

Now we have the VA and the contractor pointing fingers at each other.

While they play “the blame game”, the access available to healthcare for those who have served this country suffers.

These two major stories kick off your Saturday morning political headlines.

WOFL Fox 35: (VIDEO) (Entire Speech) Vice President Biden speaks at U.S. Conference of Mayors

WESH 2: (VIDEO) Biden seeks bipartisan support to fix inner cities

WKMG Local 6: (Video) Joe Biden addresses nation’s mayors in Orlando

WFTV 9 Eyewitness News: New Orlando VA hospital could take longer to build

CF News 13: VA to contractor: Hurry up on medical center or lose the contract

Orlando Sentinel: VA threatens Orlando hospital contractor

Biden dialed down his usual attack first philosophy in Orlando yesterday

Adams Takes VA Officials to Task for Orlando VA Medical Center Construction Delays

March 28, 2012 Uncategorized One comment

Sandy Adams has been “out front” trying to find answers for local veterans regarding the delays of the Orlando VA Hospital construction.

Adams along with a few other local house representatives from Central Florida got the Congressional hearing they requested, and today started asking the hard questions to project supervisors. This hospital is badly needed for the growing veterans population here in the region, and it’s great to see our lawmakers addressing concerns and demanding accountability for these long delays.

Here is a release from the Congresswoman and some video footage of the hearing.

——————
Representative Sandy Adams (FL-24) attended the House Committee on Veterans Affairs’ hearing “From the Ground Up: Assessing Ongoing Delays in VA Major Construction” to get answers on the Orlando VA Medical Center construction delays. Adams, whose district includes the new medical center, has been vigilant about getting to the bottom of the costly delays and recently sent a letter to Chairman Jeff Miller requesting a hearing on the issue. During the hearing, Adams had some tough questions for Dr. Robert Petzel, the Under Secretary for Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Representative Adams: So Dr. Petzel, just to recap, we have two separate federal laws regarding VA construction projects that you are not complying with. Next, we have a GAO report that you are using under-qualified people to do analysis on these projects which were recommended; three major changes in the VA, which you say you have started to implement, but to my knowledge from listening today they have not been given to this committee. And then, finally, I have about 300,000 veterans in the Central Florida area that are paying every single day for the VA’s incompetence. So tell us why VA is choosing to ignore federal law and Congress, and who should I hold responsible for the gross mismanagement of the Orlando VA facility?

Dr. Petzel: Responsibility for the Orlando VA hospital rests with us and with the federal government. There is, from my perspective, no single individual that you could, as you wish, blame for what has happened.

Representative Adams: Well, I just want to leave you with one thing: Our veterans deserve the care and they need this facility to come online. They have served our country well, they deserve this care. And I look forward to hearing more about your agency getting this facility back on track and completed as quickly as possible for their benefit, our veterans.

—————–

Well said Ma’am

Mica Questions VA on Central Florida Medical Center Delays

March 28, 2012 Uncategorized One comment

Today a congressional hearing was held to address the delays of the VA Hospital here in Central Florida. A few of our House Representatives participated. This is an issue that’s very personal and it’s great seeing our lawmakers take these organizers to task on a long delayed hospital our Veterans need very much.

Congressman Mica did a great job with his allotted time and I hope that the “recalculating” stops and we can finally make some real progress on this important project.

Here is some video footage of John Mica from the hearing.

Adams Takes VA Officials to Task for Orlando VA Medical Center Construction Delays

March 27, 2012 Uncategorized One comment

Sandy Adams has been “out front” trying to find answers for local veterans regarding the delays of the Orlando VA Hospital construction.

Adams along with a few other local house representatives from Central Florida got the Congressional hearing they requested, and today started asking the hard questions to project supervisors. This hospital is badly needed for the growing veterans population here in the region, and it’s great to see our lawmakers addressing concerns and demanding accountability for these long delays.

Here is a release from the Congresswoman and some video footage of the hearing.

——————
Representative Sandy Adams (FL-24) attended the House Committee on Veterans Affairs’ hearing “From the Ground Up: Assessing Ongoing Delays in VA Major Construction” to get answers on the Orlando VA Medical Center construction delays. Adams, whose district includes the new medical center, has been vigilant about getting to the bottom of the costly delays and recently sent a letter to Chairman Jeff Miller requesting a hearing on the issue. During the hearing, Adams had some tough questions for Dr. Robert Petzel, the Under Secretary for Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Representative Adams: So Dr. Petzel, just to recap, we have two separate federal laws regarding VA construction projects that you are not complying with. Next, we have a GAO report that you are using under-qualified people to do analysis on these projects which were recommended; three major changes in the VA, which you say you have started to implement, but to my knowledge from listening today they have not been given to this committee. And then, finally, I have about 300,000 veterans in the Central Florida area that are paying every single day for the VA’s incompetence. So tell us why VA is choosing to ignore federal law and Congress, and who should I hold responsible for the gross mismanagement of the Orlando VA facility?

Dr. Petzel: Responsibility for the Orlando VA hospital rests with us and with the federal government. There is, from my perspective, no single individual that you could, as you wish, blame for what has happened.

Representative Adams: Well, I just want to leave you with one thing: Our veterans deserve the care and they need this facility to come online. They have served our country well, they deserve this care. And I look forward to hearing more about your agency getting this facility back on track and completed as quickly as possible for their benefit, our veterans.

—————–

Well said Ma’am

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