Espada defends Soundview

Pedro Espada defends his Bronx healthcare
network at a press conference yesterday

By David Greene

Former state Senator Pedro Espada came out swinging against at least two articles attributed to unnamed sources that stated Espada's Soundview Healthcare Network will be closing for good on Friday, Aug. 12.

Joined by Sen. Rev. Ruben Diaz, Sr., Espada held a press conference on Tuesday, Aug. 9, where he singled out Gov. Andrew Cuomo, charging that the governor, "is picking the target and firing these missiles."

Stating that he is fighting for the 200 worker's currently employed by the Soundview Healthcare Network and it's thousands of patients, the former senator vowed, "This clinic will not close... the body is alive, the mind is well, were not planning any burials."

Diaz released a letter he sent to Cuomo later in the day, saying, "Since  your  announcement of the indictments and civil court filings, there is  a  growing  perception by many that you have a personal score to settle with Mr. Espada regardless of the due process to which he is entitled to by the court."

Later in the letter, he pleaded with the governor: "Please  keep  in  mind  that  the  Soundview HealthCare  Network  serves a minority-represented  community  and  assists the underserved. It cares for those who cannot always care for themselves, speak for themselves, and help themselves."

According to the New York Post (one of the reports with the unnamed sources), the state Medicaid Inspector General's Office was considering stripping Soundview of $10 million for a plethora of ethical abuses -- which could trigger closure of the clinics.