Allied Health Facility: Investment in the Future

By VINCENT DE SANCTIS

 

The proposed facility at Chesapeake College should be seen as a prudent investment not as an unacceptable expense. During an economic downturn it is not surprising that some would argue for belt-tighting. However, this proposed facility can accomplish a number of very important goals for residents of the Eastern Shore. 

One, it will provide the additional allied health personnel needed to serve area residents, an important consideration given our aging population. 

Two, it will provide career opportunities in one of the few growth areas of our economy. 

Three, it will provide both an immediate boost to the local economy (construction related) and a more sustained one through long-term college employment opportunities for area residents.

 

There are times when it is necessary to invest today for returns tomorrow. It would be short-sighted if a failure to respond to this real need is put off with the argument "Well, we will do it later when the economy improves". Because predictably many later will say "We need the personnel now. Why did we wait? The project is now more expensive." 

Economic recovery requires expenditures. And, even those who oppose public spending should recognize this is an example of where public expenditures is the way to address this need.

 

From what I have read in the Star even those counties still uncommitted are not objecting to the project but have legitimate concerns about the financial commitments. However, when the costs are spread out over the length of the bond and the number of residents in the five counties the impact on individual households will be a few dollars a year in additional taxes.