Web posted
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Hospital opinions concur at forum
By JAMES JORDAN
Traveler Editor
Area politicians at the candidate forum Thursday night said they support a new hospital in Arkansas City.
For the most part they all believe it would be a boom for economic development for the city and the area.
Most people support the idea of a new hospital. The location has been the controversial thing, with some voicing concern about its being built two miles north of the city.
Gene Burr, a Democrat running against incumbent Kasha Kelley for Kansas House District 79, said he supports the hospital.
He is not so concerned about the location, believing that getting the hospital built should be the main focus.
"It would be a good thing for the city. Where it is located should not be a reason to defeat it," he said.
Hospital officials and the city have asked voters to pass a half-cent sales tax to support the hospital as it is being built. That sales tax would end in 10 years or less if the debt is paid before then.
Burr said he believes that now is a good time to build the hospital. Even though there are concerns about the economy; interest rates are lower now.
He also believes the hospital will lead to growth for the city and will bring new jobs to the city.
Support for the hospital went across party lines.
Rep. Steve Abrams, who is running against Greta Goodwin for a spot in the Kansas Senate, said he believes the hospital would be "huge for economic development."
Abrams, a veterinarian, said new businesses such as secondary research facilities could spring up around a new hospital. He added that businesses that do clinical trials might also be interested in moving to the area.
"This could bring in some good salary jobs to Arkansas City and the area. It looks like a good opportunity," he said.
People running for County Commission also said they supported the idea of a new hospital for Arkansas City.
"It is an investment in our future," said Gary Wilson who is seeking re-election to the commission.
"Local health care is one of the most important concerns we have. There are a lot of things we cannot get here, that we could with a new hospital," he said referring to additional health care.
Wilson said he was not real concerned about the location.
His opponent in the race, Robert Voegele, said at one time there were about 15 doctors in Arkansas City, and now there are nine. He said with a new facility, there would be more health care, and more doctors available.
"We need a new hospital," he said.
The two candidates for the other County Commission seat also voiced support.
Incumbent Carmelita Clarkson pointed to new technology that would be available if a new hospital is built.
"We will all be in the hospital at some time," she said.
She added that she does not think a new hospital would adversely affect taxes for the county.
Her opponent, Alan Groom, said he believes a new hospital would have "a huge impact on the county."
He said people now have to go to Wichita to get health care, and it would be a benefit to be able to get those things here.
"I believe in and support the new hospital," Groom said.
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