LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Right Questions Must Be Asked About New Hospital
To the Editor:

As many people in the community, I would like to see a new hospital built. I would also like a new Cadillac, as well, but I simply can't afford one. It disturbs me when I read of private committees formed to make decisions regarding mult-million dollar projects that will ultimately fall to the taxpayers, while our county commissioners (our elected decision makers) are being kept in the dark. Our community is in a time when residents are struggling to make ends meet while our taxes and utilities continue to escalate - during a time when we were just asked to approve a $900,000 operational subsidy, and a reported loss in hospital operations. How in the world can we afford yet more?

Ron Mitchell was quoted as saying that if the new hospital fails, then we will not, as taxpayers, be held responsible for the $35 million debt. What will happen [is] we, as taxpayers, will be asked to subsidize even a larger obligation, or maybe there is a company that repossesses businesses you cannot afford in the first place.

It disturbs me our county commissioners were purposely left in the dark while a private hospital committee was formed making decisions which will effect us all. I believe we need to let our elected county officials do their jobs with information when asked for. The cost of the old building empty is going to be much larger than people anticipate; it can easily exceed $100,000 per year for utilities alone.

Yes, I would like a new hospital, but there needs to be a lot more open discussion on the true price tag. I applaud the county commissioners when they refuse to be steamrolled on a project as expensive as this.

It appalls me when I hear the "new proposed board of the hospital" making excuses and giving examples of Northern Michigan Regional Hospitals as a reason to have "private" non-public meetings. We are a community hospital system, and should be able to participate in its governance.

I believe a new hospital would be nice, but as a local citizen, I question the motives and maneuvers on how this project is progressing and the hidden expenses that will ultimately be passed on to taxpayers. I hope our commissioners ask all the appropriate questions.

Brian Schoenborn

St. Ignace

Editor's note: The hospital's new governing board was first announced in The St. Ignace News in the October 13, 2005, issue, which is available free on our Web site. Mr. Schoenborn's utility estimate is based, he says, on his experience as a former nursing home administrator.