Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Cardinal Innovations Healthcare has been in the news of late due to allegations of financial mismanagement and the state taking over – at least for now. Mike Collins talks with two WFAE reporters who have been covering this from the beginning along with State Senator Jeff Tarte about how possible outcomes may affect taxpayers. Then, we find out what’s behind this year’s shortage of Christmas Trees, many of which come from North Carolina.
Cardinal Innovations Healthcare has been in the news for a scandal the last several weeks because of allegations of financial mismanagement, including spending tax money on trips for board members, high CEO pay and benefits and more.
The CEO and board have been removed and the company taken over by the state, citing “serious financial mismanagement,” but the ousted CEO and some former board members say they did nothing wrong. WFAE reporters Tom Bullock and Alex Olgin have been reporting on the story from the beginning.
Our reporters join Mike Collins, along with North Carolina Senator Jeff Tarte, to talk about the details of the Cardinal Saga and how the possible outcomes may affect taxpayers.
Guests:
Tom Bullock, WFAE Reporter
Alex Olgin, WFAE Reporter
Jeff Tarte, Senator for District 41 of the North Carolina Senate
In the second part of the show, Mike Collins and guests take a look at North Carolina’s Christmas Tree industry, which, along with Oregon, leads the nation in the growth and sales of Christmas trees.
There’s talk of a tree shortage this year and of higher than ever prices for those Fraser Firs… we’ll talk about what’s behind it, on the next Charlotte Talks.
Guests:
Doug Hundley, seasonal spokesperson for the National Christmas Tree Association
Valerie Bauerlein, Wall Street Journal Reporter