Well, the Willapa Harbor Hospital is gearing up for their next run at an unaffordable bond. Leadership there clearly does not value the will of the people.

Meetings are scheduled for March and a new marketing propaganda film has been created. They will once again tell us how badly we need a new hospital, that the longer we wait, the higher the price will be. They will hold a financial gun to our heads and tell us you must vote for this bond.

What they won’t mention is this bond will increase property owner’s taxes by 15% for 30 years and cause rents to skyrocket. For a property valued at $500,000, this is a $19,950 tax increase. Simply stated, it’s unaffordable to many and will drive people from their homes, including renters. This message was sent last year, there was a majority voter mandate! The bond price needs to be significantly reduced!

The hospital is looking for funds but has not acquired nearly enough to lift this financial hardship off the shoulders of our residents. The $1.33 per $1,000 of assessed value needs to be significantly reduced; it is unaffordable, especially in today’s economic uncertainty. I believe a 5% increase is more reasonable which would take the bond down to $0.50 per $1,000.

We need a better facility, but it has to be affordable! Don’t fall for the support letters you see in various publications. Their talking points have been provided by associates from the hospital. Go to the meetings, share your concerns, and tell the hospital once again the price is unaffordable.

One more thing — do the math and see the tens of thousands of dollars more this bond will cost you. Know the facts — vote your conscience.

JERRY BOWMAN

South Bend