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-Editorial
The City of El Centro has scheduled a public forum on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, to discuss the proposed transaction between El Centro Regional Medical Center (ECRMC) and the Imperial Valley Healthcare District (IVHD). The forum will take place in the City Council Chambers as discussions continue regarding the hospital’s future and the recent resignation of Councilmember Tomas Oliva.
Oliva resigned from the council on March 5, citing concerns about recent decisions made by the newly configured council, particularly regarding the potential merger of ECRMC into the countywide healthcare district. In a statement, Oliva expressed that the council’s actions could jeopardize the deal, which he described as crucial for maintaining accessible and high-quality healthcare in the region.
“My resignation is the loudest alarm I could ring to make residents aware of the concerning direction this new council is taking, particularly when it comes to the future of our healthcare system,” Oliva wrote. “I cannot, in good conscience, be part of an effort that threatens the future of accessible, quality healthcare for our residents.”
Oliva also noted that his resignation would allow him to pursue personal and professional aspirations, while reaffirming his ongoing commitment to community service.
At the same time, a memorandum from Councilmember Claudia Camarena, who opposed Oliva’s appointment as mayor, has emerged, calling for an investigation into Oliva’s actions during negotiations regarding ECRMC’s future. The document, titled Written Complaint and Request for Investigation and Consideration for Censure of Mayor Tomas Oliva, outlines concerns about Oliva’s role in the hospital negotiations and his conduct as mayor.
In the memorandum, Camarena alleges that Oliva acted independently in negotiations with IVHD, withheld critical financial information from the council, and exceeded his authority under El Centro’s council-manager form of government. She also raised concerns about a proposed financial settlement in the negotiations, stating that Oliva presented figures without sufficient supporting documentation.
The complaint further accuses Oliva of potentially violating the Brown Act by disclosing confidential information from closed-session meetings and negotiating privately with IVHD representatives. Camarena asserts that his actions prioritized IVHD’s interests over those of the city.
“The mayor has not provided the council or the other member of the negotiating subcommittee with information regarding the said transaction,” Camarena wrote. “Mayor Oliva has advocated for IVHD more than he has advocated in the best interest of the City of El Centro.”
Camarena requested a formal investigation into Oliva’s conduct and recommended several actions while the matter is reviewed. These include abolishing the negotiating subcommittee so that all negotiations involve the full City Council, temporarily removing Oliva from his position as mayor, and prohibiting him from representing the city at official functions until the investigation is concluded.
