Dr. Joe Muga
Candidate for
Palomar Health Board
Zone 6
2024
Candidate Statement
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has lived in Escondido for 25 years with my wife, a retired public school teacher. I received both a master’s and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Oklahoma State University and earned another master’s degree in public administration from San Diego State University. I completed my doctoral residency at the Loma Linda Veterans Medical Center and also completed a health policy post-doctoral fellowship in Washington, D.C. with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I am a retired California state employee, having worked in county, state, and Veterans hospitals. I have been a member of the organized medical staffs as well as serving as Chief of the Medical Staff at one facility. I have served my community on the Escondido Union School District Board of Trustees as well as serving a one year term on the San Diego County Civil Grand Jury. I will restore transparency and accountability to the Palomar Health Board. Vote for Dr. Joe Muga to save our public hospitals from privatization and to ensure everybody in our community receives the highest quality health care.
Professional Experience
I have vast experience in hospitals
As a clinical psychologist, I have worked in many hospitals, including the Veteran’s Medical Centers in both Loma Linda and Palo Alto, the San Bernardino County Hospital and other state level hospitals. I have been a Chief of the Medical Staff and was instrumental in the licensing of a state medical facility in the Central Valley.
I have extensive educational credentials
I completed my undergraduate work at California State University San Bernardino. I earned my Master’s and Doctorate degrees in clinical psychology from Oklahoma State University. I have also studied at San Diego State University where I earned an additional Master’s degree in Public Administration. I feel this education has prepared me well for serving the public on the Palomar Health Board.
I’m a proven community leader
I have served my community on the Escondido Union School District Board of Trustees, on the San Diego County Civil Grand Jury, and completed a Health Policy Post Doctoral Fellowship working at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C.
I’m invested in this community
I’ve owned my home in Escondido for 25 years. My wife grew up here, graduating from Escondido High School and working for the Escondido Union School District for 23 years. She currently works at Cal State San Marcos. Our daughter completed all of her schooling in Escondido’s public schools and is now attending the University of California at Davis. We love living in our community and want to see it thrive.
Zone 6
Zone 6 for the Palomar Health Board covers a lot of communities. Are you in Zone 6?
About Palomar Health Board of Directors
What is the Palomar Health Board?
Palomar and Pomerado Hospitals are public hospitals that serve the communities of Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, San Marcos and the surrounding areas. Their governing board of directors are elected officials who oversee Palomar Health’s executive board to ensure that the public interest is being served. The Board of Directors consists of seven non-partisan elected officials who serve 4 year terms. Each director is elected from a ‘zone’ in the Escondido, San Marcos, Rancho Bernardo, or Poway area. See the map above.
Why are the Board of Directors important?
The Palomar Health Board serves many functions, but most importantly, ensures the needs of the public are not forgotten and that the public’s tax dollars are being spent for the good of the public.
How I plan on making a difference.
I will make sure there is accountability and transparency to the public, with important business and meetings being conducted in the most ethical way. My top priority is to keep our public hospitals from becoming private hospitals and prevent corporations from profiting off of our hard earned tax dollars.
Chris Nava
Ms. Nava is a long time Escondido political activist who has launched many political careers in Escondido and beyond.
Dr. Patel is a candidate for California’s 76th Assembly District and serves on the Poway School Board. She is a biophysicist.
Dr. Terry Cline
Dr. Cline is the former Oklahoma Secretary of Health and former Administrator of the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Endorsed by
Community
Leaders
Doug Paulson
Mr. Paulson is a member of the EUSD School Board and lifelong resident of Escondido and teacher at Orange Glen High School
Leila Sackfield
Ms. Sackfield is the former Deputy Superintendent for the EUSD and a lifelong Escondido resident who continues to give selflessly to our community.
Georgine Tomasi
Ms. Tomasi is a former EUSD School Board member.
Director John Clark
John Clark is a current Palomar Health Board Director serving Rancho Bernardo and Poway.
Support My Campaign
Many Hands Make Light Work
Please consider helping with a donation.
We would love to have a “Meet-n-Greet” in your home with your friends and neighbors. This will help inform the public and allow me to introduce myself.
We could use your help with sign waving and delivering fliers in neighborhoods in September and October.
drjoemuga@gmail.com
Paid for by Dr. Joe Muga for Palomar Health Board 2024 FPPC # 1470752