By Jay Lathrop

I think that we can all agree that we would like to have and keep the hospital at Hope. It can be very beneficial in the event of an emergency. But the question at hand is how it’s going to be financially supported. The county has not had any ownership or been involved in the operation of it for many years until Steward filed for bankruptcy and left it to bankruptcy court. Ownership of the building and property was then to the City of Hope and Hempstead county. Within the last two years ago the city and county, among others, gave over two million dollars to keep it operational under the direction of Pafford. Now again the hospital is in need of financial assistance. The city has agreed to release their portion of ownership of the building and property entirely to the county if the tax passes. However, the county doesn’t have the money or a good long-term solution to keep it open. The subject of having a 3/4 cent sales tax was brought up for a vote at a recent quorum court meeting and it passed 8-2 with myself and one other justice voting against.

I personally believe voting on this tax now is not the solution without a detailed plan in place and agreements and contracts in order.

This tax would be collected on any purchase made in the county whether at local businesses or online purchases made and shipped to a Hempstead County residence.

Once again, I am not against the hospital, I would like to see someone take ownership of the hospital without the county being involved and the tax payers paying every time that they make a purchase. I will still try on helping to find a solution but at this time I will be voting against this tax at this time.

Thank you,

Jay Lathrop

Justice of the Peace District 10