Trends in Long-Term Care - U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

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And then, of course, on some other occasions, we compla<strong>in</strong>ed to him
as well, about this Danube, which I said before, is still closed, after
it was approved 5 years ago, and he told us, that he would talk to the
health department, to see what he could do.
I really don't remember, but I do remember talk<strong>in</strong>g our hearts to
them, say<strong>in</strong>g, look, why don't you people do someth<strong>in</strong>g about it.
Congressman Kocii. Now, is Mr. Ste<strong>in</strong>gut at that time-was he your
assemblyman? Did you live <strong>in</strong> his district?
Dr. BERGMAN. No.
Congressman KocH. What relationship did you have with him?
Dr. BERGMAN. Aga<strong>in</strong>, he is a public official, and his <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> communal
affairs, and I used to meet him very often at the functions,
and as a matter of fact, I have known him maybe 25 years, and I
similarly compla<strong>in</strong>ed to him, that we are be<strong>in</strong>g harassed, and we are
be<strong>in</strong>g discrim<strong>in</strong>ated, whatever the case may be.
Congressman KocI-i. Did you ever make any of your requests to
either of those two officials, or anyone else <strong>in</strong> public office, <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g,
have you ever made a written request with anyone <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g, concern<strong>in</strong>g
problems you might be hav<strong>in</strong>g with nurs<strong>in</strong>g homes, with
public officials <strong>in</strong> elected office?
Dr. BERGMAN. Mr. Congressman, I do not recall such, but I can
check it <strong>in</strong> my office. If they have, I would be glad to supply you
with it.
Congressm an Kocii. Thank you.
Senator Moss. Thank you. We do have to leave. Mr. Naftalis. did
you have a question?
Mr. NAFTALIS. Senator, whenever you have to leave, let me know,
and I will quit.
You mentioned some conversations with Mr. Stanley Ste<strong>in</strong>gut regard<strong>in</strong>g
problems that you were hav<strong>in</strong>g regard<strong>in</strong>g your nurs<strong>in</strong>g
homes, is that right ?
Dr. BERG.mAN. Correct.
Mr. NA17rA.LTS. And is it not a fact, sir, that you had a conversation
with Mr. Ste<strong>in</strong>gut at your daughter's wedd<strong>in</strong>g at which you asked
him to set up a meet<strong>in</strong>g with you, or attend a meet<strong>in</strong>g with you with
Governor Rockefeller?
Dr-. BERGMAN. Would you repeat the question aga<strong>in</strong>?
Mr. NArrALTS. Would vou read it back. Mr. Reporter?
[Whereupon, the pend<strong>in</strong>g question was read back.]
Dr. BERGMEAN. Very frankly, gentlemen, I knowl he was at my
dauglhter's wedd<strong>in</strong>g-as T said beforev we have known him for over
25 years.
But I do not recall-I was too excited and too busv to remember
whether I had such a conversation.
As I said before to the Congressman that I did compla<strong>in</strong> to him
about the problems wve are hav<strong>in</strong>g with the department. Now. I don't
recall ask<strong>in</strong>ir him to set up or go to Governor Rockefeller. set up such
a meet<strong>in</strong>g. I do not recall this.
Mr. NAT1rAaTS. Mr. Bergmian. is it vour testimony that you deny that
such a conversation took place? Or is it simply that you do not recall
whether it took place or not?
Dr. BERPGMAN. I do not recall.