O'Leary to ask for Economic Impact Study of Hospital Closing

[Nadhal Eadeh]

Ward 2 Councilman, Sam O'Leary, says that more time is needed to study the impact of the hospital closing. Further, O'Leary will request that the city conduct an independent economic impact study of the hospital closing at the next council meeting.

"Lakewood Hospital has been a part of the Lakewood community for over 100 years" said O'Leary. "The proposed closure will require more than 90 days to review. My constituents have a lot of questions and they deserve answers".

[Bill Call]

I can save them a lot of time and money.

It will have a negative impact on tax revenue, property values, quality of health care, bars, restaurants and population levels.

and

the hospital is still closing.

OK, now they know what affect it will have on the City. Now what?

The time to hold the meetings on the hospitals future was ten years ago when the Clinic made the final decision to destroy it.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Ward 2 Councilman, Sam O'Leary, says that more time is needed to study the impact of the hospital closing. Further, O'Leary will request that the city conduct an independent economic impact study of the hospital closing at the next council meeting.

"Lakewood Hospital has been a part of the Lakewood community for over 100 years" said O'Leary. "The proposed closure will require more than 90 days to review. My constituents have a lot of questions and they deserve answers".

Nadhal

Thanks for the note.

I would hope that Sam merely has to ask for the economic impact study that City Hall
already did when they took this route to get rid of the Clinic early. I mean only a fool would
start a process he has no idea where it could go.

.

[Nadhal Eadeh]

Jim,

From what I know, they have not commissioned a study. One would think they would have their facts in order with such a pivotal issue.

Further, At-Large Councilwoman Cindy Marx has indicated that she will support Sam's call for an economic impact study before any vote is held.

Nadhal

[Grace O'Malley]

No study was done? The largest employer in the city being put out of business and they didn't think to do a study of the economic impact? They are either incredibly stupid, or dangerously self-serving, or, as I fear, BOTH.

[Ryan Salo]

Would anyone really be surprised if they didn't do a study?

This was a backroom deal, where it is a win win for those that matter, why would they even need a study?

They do not need the city to be on board, they will force this through council using fear and if it for some reason it looks like they won't make a decision this calendar year, trust me, Litten won't be the only yes man on the ballot....

[marklingm]

Hey, Sam, study time is over.

It's time to take the exam.

And this exam is pass/fail.

[Jim O'Bryan]

No study was done? The largest employer in the city being put out of business and they didn't think to do a study of the economic impact? They are either incredibly stupid, or dangerously self-serving, or, as I fear, BOTH.

Well here is what I know. The Mayor and Council President allowed $10,000 to be wasted
on Councilman Juris' study of the need for a Hotel in downtown Lakewood, when they both
knew the hospital was leaving.

I suppose they see that as a necessary expenditure to keep Lakewoodites in the dark over
the Clinic after all had they said, "We will not need one the Hospital is closing." The cat
would have been out of the bag.

This group is pitiful. They have turned their back on the residents time and time again
choosing business over residents EVERYTIME.

.

[Grace O'Malley]

The song remains the same.

Economic development! Shopping! Lower my taxes!

They be jammin', man.

[Jim O'Bryan]

The song remains the same.

Economic development! Shopping! Lower my taxes!

They be jammin', man.

It is truly amazing isn't it.

"jammin', man"



.

[Grace O'Malley]

It might be just me, but I think the backlash against this is going to mirror the 47 debacle.

[marklingm]

This group is pitiful. They have turned their back on the residents time and time again choosing business over residents EVERYTIME.

+1

[marklingm]

It might be just me, but I think the backlash against this is going to mirror the 47 debacle.

Grace,

I hope you are correct, but I fear that there will not be the appropriate backlash.

Mike Summers appears to believe that our residents are all too stupid and lazy to hold him and his gang accountable.

So far, the residents have proven Mike right.

I hate it when Mike is right ... especially when Mike is right for the wrong reasons.

Matt

[Nadhal Eadeh]

Matt,

Yes and No. You'll see the true temperature of the town as we get closer to the 2015 election. The hospital closing is a big deal. Four pillars of a strong community are schools, safety (hospital, police, etc), housing and parks. You threaten one of the four and the electoral balance on the ground will shift.

See Fitzgerald vs George in 2007: safety was the main issue.

The longer this is debated, the tougher the sell. As the adage goes, when you're explaining your losing.

Will anybody step up to challenge the following incumbents who have been closely aligned with the Lakewood Hospital discussion:

-Mary Louise Madigan
-Michael P. Summers

We will find out soon.

Nadhal

[marklingm]

Yes and No. You'll see the true temperature of the town as we get closer to the 2015 election. The hospital closing is a big deal. Four pillars of a strong community are schools, safety (hospital, police, etc), housing and parks. You threaten one of the four and the electoral balance on the ground will shift.

See Fitzgerald vs George in 2007: safety was the main issue. (emphasis added)

... and there remains a question as to whether we actually elected someone without a big boy driver's license to drive our city ...

... that makes me feel much better, Nadhal.