I’m getting a lot of questions about our hospital here in Washington and the dissolution of the Beaufort County Regional Medical Authority (hospital board). There is a great deal of false information being spread around and I want to take this time to clear the air. The dissolution of the outdated board is not going to cause the hospital in Washington to close. That is rhetoric being spread by a few obstructionists in our county. The (Beaufort County) Board of Commissioners is committed to our citizens and healthcare in our county.

One county commissioner, who also served as chairman of our hospital board, has used scare tactics and outright blatant untruths about this situation. Regrettably, the citizens of Beaufort County are all too familiar with his reckless and deceitful behavior. While I, like some my colleagues on the commission, was not in office when the hospital was leased to UHS (University Health Systems), now Vidant, I feel my No. 1 job is to be upfront with everyone regarding board decisions. We have a fiduciary responsibility to all citizens of Beaufort County regarding the trust fund established as part of Vidant’s lease. The five-year period on that $6.5 million trust fund is nearing its end. We simply could not allow that money to be used by one, or a few, to do so in any manner they chose without responsibility to the people. As elected officials we, the commission, are held accountable every four years at the ballot box. The people have the right to hold us responsible for the use of their money and that is how it should be.

I am confident that our board and county management team will strengthen our relationship with Vidant, thus ensuring our hospital is strengthened for the future. Although I regret the situation in Belhaven, these are two entirely different situations no matter how much misinformation is put out by Commissioner Richardson. I find it disgraceful of Commissioner Richardson to state that the money will be used to finance the construction of a new jail. He knows this is not possible and this board will ensure those funds are used to help all people in Beaufort County, not just in one area. This money will stay in trust dedicated to health care in Beaufort County, no matter how much misinformation is put out by those few who are only dedicated to their own personal agendas.

We have a solid Board of Commissioners now. Although we may not all agree on everything, I am confident that not one of us (with one exception) would ever violate the people’s will. I look forward to ensuring that our hospital is strengthened and our health care professionals are brought to adequate levels, making them equal to the best in the industry. I assure you that all funds belonging to the people of Beaufort County will be used as intended and overseen by elected officials who are directly responsible to the people, not an outdated board that is not answerable to the public.