KCMO Throws Out The Anchor On MAST

Doug Hooten got his walking papers from the MAST Board this past week as KCMO takes one more step towards the takeover of MAST and our ambulance service at WL. Some historical perspective from a source who should know:

• 1995, John Sharp dismissed as head of MAST. MAST mired in severe financial problems.
• Doug Hooten appointed director, gradual improvement in service and financial condition.
• The Funk, current alderman John Sharp (yes, one and the same) and others move to take control of MAST under the theory they could save a million bucks.
• Proposal to make MAST an independent agency in KCMO.

Where will this lead? Nobody knows but various articles in the KC Star allude to Louie Wrights (KCMO Fire Chief) lust for MAST. Almost always Local 42 is in the same sentence as Wright. Choices? South Platte Ambulance District has to start casting about, not many fish to catch. NRAD to the north. South Platte Fire if they would choose to enter the ambulance business. Possibly another ambulance company altogether. One thing for sure, your ride to the hospital is going to go up eventually.