Want to have a conversation with the governor? Okay forget that. How about talking with someone in his office?
Here’s what you do: call 1-800-811-8336. After a few rings, a young woman answers: “Good afternoon, governor’s office.”
You say, “I’m calling about the Upper Shore Community Mental Health Center. . .”
And she quickly says, “You oppose it’s closing?”
Surprised a bit at the question coming so fast, you say, “Uh, well, yeah. . .”
And she says, “Well the reason I ask is some are in favor of closing.”
“They are?” you ask, incredulous.
“Yes, they are,” she says.
“How many are?” you ask, skeptical.
“Myself, personally, just a handful . . . several, so far.”
You take a few moments to decipher this. She means, the count on calls that have come to her. Then, you challenge: “And how many oppose its closing.”
“Myself, personally, several hundred. It’s definitely way more, opposing. I’m happy to add you to my list.”
You say, “So, the governor, he’s changing his mind?”
“I can’t speak for the governor, sir. I’m happy to pass on your comments saying you’re opposed.”
You ask, “So the governor is really keeping on top of this?”
“All reports go to the governor, sir.”
Then, “Do you know when it’s going to be final?”
“I don’t, sir.”
You hang up. You can’t help but wonder, who are the “several” who want Upper Shore closed? In fact, you can think of three only, and they would be . . the comptroller . . . the treasurer . . . the governor.
Ronnie Fithian says
The County Commissioner’s would like to thank all of those individuals who have taken the time to call or send a letter in opposition. I also want to let all those that are interested in knowing that the Commissioner’s will be having another meeting on Tuesday the 15th of September @ 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioner’s hearing room to further discuss the closing of the hospital. This should prove to be a very lively discussion. We have asked to have the Sec. of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Sec. of Finance attend this meeting. They have agreed. Also we are expecting to have our Senator and Delegates as well. I wouldn’t want the States job of convincing us that it was a good decision to close this hospital. Let’s keep our finger’s crossed!
Robin Wood says
What happened at this morning’s meeting?
Tonya Rider says
I have to say for such a small community we have the BEST county commissioners, delegates, and last but definitley not least Senator Pipkin as our representatives!!!!
I thought the meeting was hands down great. Our reps on several topics of conversation had Secretaries Foster and Colmar cornered with no real response, nothing that mattered or made sense anyway.
There is still hope for the Upper Shore and we are NOT giving up.
Warrior Bob Kramer says
There is still hope for the Upper Shore and we are NOT giving up.>>>>
Our delegates met with the PWC today and O’M has said that he wants to gather more info, but no promises.
The gov will be on MD public TV tonite at 7:30 (channel 22) on Ask the Governor. Send Q’s or call
1-800-926-0629 or
e-mail [email protected]
Let’s let him know how we feel, so he can hear from us directly.