---

Dear Editor;
I encourage Iowa County residents to consider the message the Iowa County Board sent to us when it ( surreptitiously) voted to close the only home available for our elderly, disabled and financially challenged neighbors.
That vote removed the only viable choice from families when they have to make the difficult choice to place a loved one in a nursing home.
In addition, it is mind numbing to know that when Bloomfield Manor closes its doors, all Medicaid support beds disappear forever GC.
How can the citizens of Iowa County condone closing Bloomfield Manor? Is this just a continuation of of ignoring the needs and rights of the poor, disabled and/ or elderly?
One wonders if the County Board seriously considered the rippling effect in our community; starting with the eviction of our most vulnerable family members. The family and caretakers of each resident will be saddled with being the only connection with the world outside of the facility.
Many residents and family caretakers will undoubtedly be forced to move out of Iowa County where County nursing beds are available. We cannot tolerate this inhumane treatment. In addition, the economic loss of good paying jobs as well as the emotional and moral turmoil caused by this decision far outweighs the cost of renovating or replacing the current facility.
Rita Pieroni, Dodgeville, WI