VIRGINIA BEACH
Mayor Meyera Oberndorf took her first swipe at a key challenger Monday, saying former Vice Mayor Will Sessoms should return a $10,000 campaign donation from health care giant Amerigroup.
Sessoms responded that he has no plans to part with the cash - and he questioned why the mayor raised the issue.
Oberndorf said returning the money would "make a statement" after Amerigroup agreed to pay $225 million to resolve allegations it defrauded the state of Illinois' Medicaid program.
The federal government and Illinois officials said Virginia Beach-based Amerigroup avoided enrolling unhealthy patients and pregnant women, who cost more to treat.
In October 2006, a jury found that Amerigroup defrauded the Illinois Department of Public Aid and the federal government. A judge entered a $334 million judgment against the company, which appealed.
Under a settlement agreement now before a judge, Amerigroup would admit no wrongdoing, said Kent Jenkins, a company spokesman.
Oberndorf said that when she read of $225 million settlement, she felt compelled to publicly call on Sessoms to return the donation. She has not spoken to him directly about it.
"I'm simply saying it would be wise to say, 'By returning your money, I would rather have it used on a pregnant woman who cannot afford any other health care,' " Oberndorf said.
Sessoms, a bank president who has amassed a record war chest for a Beach local election, countered that Amerigroup is a respected corporate titan in the city. He said the mayor has often commended the company as a good corporate steward.
Sessoms noted that Amerigroup did not acknowledge any wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
"No one has been found guilty of anything I'm aware of," Sessoms said. "I certainly stand by this great company headquartered in our great city."
Sessoms added that he was "quite surprised" Oberndorf would make an issue of campaign contributors.
"That's not my style, never has been my style and won't be my style in this campaign," Sessoms said. "I don't do things like that. Let's talk about the issues."
Sessoms, according to the latest finance reports available, has raised $428,112 for this fall's election.
Oberndorf, a five-term incumbent, has raised $22,870. Two other challengers, former council member John Moss and political newcomer Scott Taylor, raised $7,999 and $19,785, respectively.
Amerigroup gave Sessoms two checks for $5,000 each last year, records show. The company did not give any money to Oberndorf in her 2004 re-election campaign, according to a review of finance reports.
Richard Quinn, (757) 222-5119, richard.quinn@pilotonline.com
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Pot calling the kettle black..
Several years ago(while Meyera was mayor)a healthcare provider for city employees was heavily fined because of fraud. What did the city do?
Renewed their contract the following year! Meyera, you have served Virginia Beach honorably, but you have served long enough. I've known Will Sessoms and his family all of my life. I have no doubt that he will be an excellent mayor for many years to come. My only regret is that he is not challenging Bob Purkey for State Office. Talk about someone who needs to call it quits!
Ed!
Not exactly sure how it works, but Amerigroup works with the Medicaid folks, helping make their system run more efficiently. So: 1) they may be private but they are working with a government agency and 2) their folks are probably already desperate, either thrown off of a private health plan or never possessing one in the first place. Your points are completely valid if it were not for the government/Medicaid involvement here. Cheers, MGM
John Moss, the best choice for Va. Beach
Does $10,000 really matter considering the rest of what Sessoms has raised from special interests that want to overdevelop and continue down the same road we've been on? This was a free shot by Oberndorf. Why shouldn't she take it?
If you saw Republican John Moss speak before the Republican Party Breakfast, you would have seen cost efficient viability. Supporters all over the room. There's a reason somebody posted about "in kind" contributions. It is called fear. Otherwise why bother to say it?
Numbers aren't quite right, but ganes begin
Moss and Taylor are inflating their numbers by using "in-kind" donations that make them look more viable. According to www.vpap.org, they both have about half of their money as in-kind, while Oberndorf and Sessoms have real cash.
Okay...
Health care companies are private. Would you insure a home when the homeowner calls and a hurricane already has destroyed his home? How about a home in a flood zone and the water is already up to the ceiling? (the government has a waiting period on this one) How about insuring a car when the car has just been crashed? Why in the world would a private health care company cover someone for an illness or pregnancy when that person should have had the coverage in place? If you are planning to get pregnant, then you should plan accordingly, if it is unplanned (accidental), then don't expect a private company to pick up the bill.