To The Editor:
With regularity I read about the closure of our local health care facility. Like you, I read to understand. The public's questions are clear. The responses are not. I am no more informed today than I was when the story first broke. Somewhere, somehow a controlling medical board determined that the center needs to be closed. The reasons range from cost cutting to its cousin, efficiency, to its other cousin, duplication of services, to further reasons I cannot understand at all.
People who know this stuff ask questions and report that even they don't understand the rationale. The editor of The Valley Reporter comments on it in a way that demonstrates that she understands it much better than most, but still admits here and there her confusion as well. Those on the inside have discussed this matter and decided on closure. Yet, they are somehow prohibited from explaining certain parts to us. . .did I see something about a non-disclosure agreement? For discussions leading to the facility closure? Are you kidding me?
OK, enough of that. Is there a way to consolidate the public energy? Should the local facility board lead that effort? Should select boards step forward? Should an aggressive, enterprising young attorney be hired to lead the assault? What about a FOIA request for documents currently denied to us? Don't need a lawyer for that. Are we, the users, prepared to generate the funds that will support legal action?
If any of my suggestions duplicates past failed efforts, ignore that and do it again – this time with the open endorsement of those that are most affected – we, the public.
Sal Spinosa
Waitsfield
