LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE HEMPSTEAD COUNTY HOSPITAL TAX

To the Citizens of Hempstead County:

As Sheriff of Hempstead County, I have dedicated my career to protecting the lives and safety of the citizens we serve. Public safety is about more than law enforcement—it is about ensuring that every person in our community has access to critical emergency services when they need them most. For this reason, I strongly support the proposed sales tax dedicated to sustaining and improving our local hospital and its 24-hour emergency services.

Let me begin by saying that I am not a fan of raising taxes. Like many of you, I understand the burden that taxes place on working families, businesses, and individuals. As an elected official, I believe every tax proposal should be carefully scrutinized and supported only when there is a clear and compelling need. In this case, I believe that need exists.

It is also important to remember that this is not a permanent tax. The proposed sales tax contains a sunset provision and will expire after ten years. This gives our community the opportunity to invest in a critical service while ensuring that the tax does not continue indefinitely.

Every day, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and first responders rely on having a fully functioning emergency room available in Hempstead County. When a serious automobile accident occurs, when a child suffers a life-threatening injury, when a heart attack or stroke strikes without warning, every minute matters. The availability of 24-hour emergency medical care can mean the difference between life and death.

Our deputies regularly respond to traffic collisions, violent crimes, medical emergencies, overdoses, and incidents involving vulnerable individuals. In many of these situations, immediate access to emergency medical treatment is essential. If emergency services were unavailable locally, patients would face longer transport times to hospitals outside our county. Those additional miles and precious minutes could significantly impact patient outcomes and place additional strain on our emergency responders.

The hospital is also a critical partner in public safety. It provides medical evaluations for crime victims, emergency treatment for injured deputies and first responders, mental health crisis intervention, and essential healthcare services that contribute to the overall well-being of our community. A strong hospital strengthens the entire public safety network.

As Sheriff, I understand the responsibility of being a good steward of taxpayer dollars. However, I also understand the devastating consequences of not having adequate emergency medical services available when they are needed most. The question we must ask ourselves is simple: What price can we put on a human life? What value do we place on knowing that when our loved ones face a medical emergency, help is available close to home and without unnecessary delay?

Supporting this sales tax is an investment in the future of Hempstead County. It is an investment in our families, our businesses, our first responders, and our quality of life. Communities with reliable healthcare services are stronger, safer, and better positioned for economic growth and development.

As someone who has witnessed tragedy firsthand and has seen the difference that timely emergency medical care can make, I believe preserving 24-hour emergency services in Hempstead County is one of the most important investments we can make. The proposed tax will help ensure that our citizens continue to have access to lifesaving care close to home, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

I respectfully encourage the citizens of Hempstead County to vote in favor of this important initiative. Together, we can help preserve a vital resource that serves every resident of our county and protects the health and safety of our community for generations to come.

Respectfully,

Sheriff James Singleton

Hempstead County

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