The Willapa Harbor Hospital marketing campaign is misleading you! They want to build a near $100 million new hospital, which would increase your property tax by 20%. For the median priced homeowner in South Bend, that is an approximate $19,000 additional tax obligation over the life of the proposed bond.

The new hospital may bring some additional services to our area, but you will still be driving out of the area for many of your medical needs. We simply do not have the population to support all that is being promised. With 16 current open positions, WHH has difficulty filling current staffing needs. How will they fill even more openings for a bigger facility?

By their own admission, the existing hospital could be brought up to standards for $20 million to $30 million. An upgrade to the existing hospital would reduce the tax obligation to local residents by more than 60%. Through an assessment-needs survey, the WHH says they looked at three options and chose the one that was in our best interest. The survey did not include a question pertaining to what local citizens could afford. The survey was tailored to conclude that a new hospital was the only right answer. Cost to the taxpayer was not a consideration.

The WHH has already purchased property for the new hospital at three to four times its actual value. Was this the beginning of other poor financial decisions at taxpayer expense? Don’t be fooled — know the facts. WHH is not acting in the best interests of many local residents. They want a new hospital at all costs and are sticking you with the bill. We cannot afford this hospital bond proposal!

JERRY BOWMAN

South Bend