Letter from Dr. Wendell Gibby :: ParleyHellewell.com

Letter from Dr. Wendell Gibby
Riverwoods Medical Center

April 12, 2005

Dear Delegate,

It is with genuine pleasure that I write to you on behalf of Senator Parley Hellewell. Senator Hellewell is one of that rare breed of politicians with true integrity, a steely grit and determination, and a genuinely likable personality.

Prior to the 2004 legislative session, Dr. Charles Stewart, a former State Senator, and I approached a number of Senators in conjunction with the Utah Medical Association in an attempt to correct major patient access problems, encourage competition among health care providers, and limit the monopolistic practices of certain players. We felt that patient access reform would have many salutary benefits which ultimately would result in more consumer choice and lower cost. However, when push came to shove, everyone in the state was afraid to tackle the 800 lb. gorilla of IHC-everyone except Parley Hellewell.

At the time, Parley was running a bill that succeeded in curtailing mandatory arbitration, an IHC policy the public perceived as overreaching, heavy handed, and unfair. He agreed to sponsor a patient access reform bill, as well. Despite heavy opposition, the bill was brought out of standing committee with unanimous support.

The following year in 2005, Parley worked tirelessly to educate fellow Senators regarding the issue. A colleague, Chris Buttars, was brought in to help with passage of the legislation. To the consternation of "6-figure" healthcare lobbyists, the bill passed with greater than a two-thirds majority in the Senate. Unfortunately, political maneuvering in the House of Representatives did not allow it to come for a vote. Despite this, Parley continued to educate and persuade Representatives. I cite this example because Parley is a truly committed and effective Legislator. Unlike most individuals whose sole goal in politics is to retain power, Parley chooses to tackle tough issues for the benefit of the state.

This is not to say Parley is beholden to any special interest group or lobby. To the contrary: in the same session, he sponsored the midwifery bill that most physicians opposed. The year before, he sponsored the bill against mandatory arbitration, from which most physicians would benefit. Indeed, he studies the issues carefully, listens to many constituents, and then votes his conscience.

We need more Senators like Parley who work hard, are not afraid to share the credit, and are honest. I have watched Parley perform very skillfully in the legislative process. When certain "parliamentary" maneuvers would be attempted by others, he would jump up and skillfully oppose them. Unlike most politicians who say one thing and do another, in Parley what you see is what you get. He is a true conservative who represents the core values of the majority of his constituents. He works and sacrifices many hours on their behalf. Without Parley Hellewell, there would be no task force studying the non-profit status of IHC and the need for healthcare reform in Utah. He is testament to the power of one person who honestly tries to do what is right. Without Parley Hellewell, certain large healthcare systems would have the power to deny people care that they had already paid for through their insurance, and would give them no options unless they agreed to sign away their legal rights.

These are just a couple of examples that I'm aware of. Parley has also worked tirelessly on other conservative issues, preserving individual rights and standing against the overreach of government into our personal lives. I consider him a friend. More importantly, I consider him a man who can be trusted. He deserves our support.

Sincerely,

Wendell A. Gibby, M.D.
Director, Riverwoods Medical Center

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