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Dear Editor;
Over the past couple of weeks there have been considerable conversations about the County Board's decision to pull the plug on Bloomfield Health and Rehabilitation. Some have accepted the fact, it is what it is, but many are rightfully asking questions about the abrupt decision and equally the process of the decision.
The Board deciding to close Bloomfield without pubic input and further deciding to hold a secretive vote in closed session is highly irregular and blatantly disrespectful. While I'm aware of the challenges facing our County's long term health facility, there never should have been a decision of this magnitude without public input.
As a former County Supervisor I'm keenly aware our local units of government are our most trusted and usually responsive units of government. Be it the School Boards, City Councils, Town Boards or County Boards, local government is where we have our voices best heard. Many of us have cynically given up on our State and Federal Legislators to be responsive to anyone but to their partisan brand. So when 'our' County Board decides, in secret, without public input to close Bloomfield it further erodes our confidence in government.
Is there a way forward?
Our County Board has a chance, a fleeting chance, but nevertheless a chance to restore some degree of credibility.
First and foremost, Chairman Meyers should call a special meeting to allow people to voice their concerns on the fate of Bloomfield and the County's role in long term care. This purpose would be for the Board and the Administrator to listen (apparently a novel idea).
Second, if the Board has the courage, a member having voted on the affirmative side of closing the facility, could move to 'reconsider the previous motion.' With an accompanying second from the affirmative side, the Board would then have a chance to reset their inappropriate closed session vote.
Third, if the motion 'to reconsider' would pass the full Board, the next motion should be to establish a moratorium of the closing of Bloomfield until a specified committee, consisting of County, Upland Hills Health, and outside members, could be formed to make a recommendation within six months. If progress is being made an extension could be granted, but timeliness should be expected.
After reading Jim Massey's revealing editorial, I'm curious what the breakdown was between UHH and the County and whether there is a way forward. Admittedly it would be an uphill challenge if the County were to go it alone. Even so, we could say we tried.
Serving on the County Board is definitely a thankless job - I maybe had three people thank me during my tenure. Nevertheless, a bit of advice if I may: there are at least three aspects to consider when making decisions. The obvious one is the responsible consideration of taxpayers monies. The second is to our employees. Thirdly, and maybe most importantly, is the service being provided and the people affected. Government is a service entity.
Finally, there is a place for closed sessions and I would encourage the County to do so to discuss the future employment of the County Administrator Larry Bierke. It is evident he doesn't understand the workings of local government processes, and more so, respect our values.
I can't imagine the thoughtless, if not cruel irony of having Bloomfield residents and their families attend an informational meeting at the 28 million dollar County jail. What an insult. Personally, I have no intention of voluntarily going to the jail, but my 89 year old Dad did to learn of his fate - temporarily a very happy resident of Bloomfield.
Keeping the faith.
Richard Gorder
Mineral Point,WI