Harrop Named in $66K HEALTH Fine, Dismissed from Leading Healthcare Org
GoLocalProv News Team
Harrop Named in $66K HEALTH Fine, Dismissed from Leading Healthcare Org
Following the exchange at Tuesday's Mayoral debate in which former Providence Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci alleged Harrop was responsible for a $66K fine with the Department of Health (HEALTH), Harrop shot back Thursday saying he wasn't personally responsible for the fine -- but a book entitled "Health Against Wealth: HMOs and the Breakdown of Medical Trust" by George Anders provides an account of Harrop's involvement in UBS billing practices -- and dismissal -- in the early 1990s. (See excerpt below).
On Thursday, Harrop shot back at Cianci saying he wasn't responsible directly for the fine; however the book details that Harrop was ousted from United Health's subsidiary United Behavioral Services (UBS) as part of its fine with the state. Harrop continued to work for parent company UHS until 2008.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"In mid-1995 [UHS] agreed to oust its top two RI executives, including Dr. Harrop, the medical director, to embark on a wide-ranging corrective program; and to pay $66,000 in fines and legal fees to the state," writes Anders.
Harrop Refutes Claims
"I never paid a fine, never signed a check," said Harrop. "I refute that I was dismissed, I can show you my W2 through 2008 with United Health Care."
The book, however, cites that Harrop was dismissed from UHS subsidiary UBS. "I wouldn't say 'dismissed,' I would use the word transfer instead," said Harrop, of his continued employment with UHS.
"This book was a polemic against managed care and contained a number of errors,' said Harrop.
Questions Daniel Harrop Must Answer to be Providence's Next Mayor
Party Politics?
Providence hasn't seen a Republican Mayor for thirty years. The last, of course, was Vincent "Buddy" Cianci's first tenure at the post from 1975 through 1984. But when Buddy came back in 1990, he saw his path to victory as an independent.
Harrop's Republican credentials certainly are unwavering. The former candidate garnered nearly 17% of the voted in 2006 against David Cicilline. Can Harrop convince enough predominantly Democratic and independent Providence voters that a GOP Mayor is the way to go?
Big Issues?
Privatization. Receivership. Education reform. Harrop has bold ideas in the traditional Republican vein to turn things in the state's capital city around. The question is, are Providence voters open to bold ideas? One such proposal -- having free parking for an hour at meters around the city -- seems to be a pro-business no-brainer.
By contrast, other candidates are talking about spending more on programs. Can Harrop's vision of spending less resonate in a city with high crime and struggling schools?
Relatability?
The erudite Dr. Harrop is just that -- a highly educated East Side white male. While GoLocal asked the same question of Brett Smiley -- i.e. can the city's diverse voting base relate to the wonkish East Side liberal, the same can be asked of the conservative Harrop. Smiley for his part has been a stalwart at community events around the city.
While Harrop backs the "swim empowerment" effort to allow for recreational opportunities throughout the city following the close -- and opening -- of the Davey Lopes poll, has he actually had enough boots on the ground in the ciy's urban communities to convince voters he's their guy?
Buddy Factor?
Harrop has been at the forefront of pointing out former Mayor Cianci is a two-time felon. When Buddy entered the face at the end of June, Harrop told GoLocal, "I am more concerned with with his attempt to re-write history and downplay his part in the scandals surrounding Providence pensions which are going to throw the city into bankruptcy."
The doctor will undoubtedly hammer Cianci hard once the primary season is through and the field is set to three. The question is, can Harrop stand up to criticism lobbed at him by Cianci should the time come? For better or for worse, Cianci has name recognition. Harrop does not.
Can he win?
How much is Harrop willing to bankroll on his own in an attempt to take the city's highest post? He loaned himself $100,000 back in 2013 for the effort. While he's currently in good shape on paper, at least -- he's got $130,000 cash on hand -- the question is whether he's got the resources, and resolve to go the distance in a sure to be bruising three-way general election against the winner of the Democratic primary and Buddy Cianci.
