To the Editor:

I am writing this article to express my opinion about the financial situation at the hospital. I have listened to many opinions concerning this issue and I have come to the conclusion that the hospital is in this situation because of two reasons:

1. The management did not properly keep track of all financial transactions.

2. There were many bad business decisions that were made.

Commissioner Hood Richardson correctly stated that in order for the hospital to make a profit, you have to have a good management team and a good board of directors. It is my opinion that the county board of commissioners should reject the current proposal by UHS simply because it is not a good deal. They should allow a competitive bidding process to take place and not let a bunch of UHS supporters turn this issue into a political sideshow attraction. I commend Commissioner Richardson and Stan Deatherage for wanting to get the best health care available and a good sound financial deal as well. The citizens of Beaufort County deserve no less.

But, I would like to emphasize that no matter who winds up leasing the hospital, there should be a provision that Beaufort County retain full ownership of the hospital.

TIM BAKER

Chocowinity