Opinion: Letter

September 10, 2012 2:00 AM

Sept. 6 To the Editor:

I am a physician volunteering for Jackie Cilley's campaign for governor. Jackie is not a health care specialist, but she knows how important the health care debate is to the people of New Hampshire. That's why she has already formed, and asked me to lead, a health care policy advisory team, which includes doctors and nurses, and specialists in the insurance industry, health care law, hospital administration, and employer and union benefits. We even have an expert on "RomneyCare" from Massachusetts.

Based on our discussions and my own experience of more than 30 years in health care, I believe there are two primary ways a governor can lead on health care: by holding an effective conversation on federal-state initiatives, such as the Affordable Care Act and the evolution/reform of Medicare and Medicaid, and by supporting the innovation and partnerships that are already improving health care service delivery in our state. I also believe Jackie Cilley is the candidate best positioned and equipped to provide this leadership.

As a fundamental principle, Jackie Cilley believes that our state will make its best decisions on complex subjects only through open conversations with everyone affected having a seat at the table. From her academic and business experience, Jackie understands transformation and recognizes the power of creativity and innovation to bring it about.

Jackie Cilley is already prepared to use the leadership of the governor's office to highlight as best practices what is already working very well in health care delivery in our state.

This is why I support Jackie Cilley for governor, and I hope you will join me in voting for her on Sept. 11.

Martin D. Merry, M.D.

Former senior medical adviser

Link:

Jackie Cilley 'gets it' on health care reform