Letter: Move to sell Heim is disheartening

Friday December 14, 2018

Nursing home a good use of our tax dollars.

Editor:
It is disheartening that the Berks County commissioners are bent on selling Berks Heim to a private party. I don't like to see needy seniors looking for a home put at the mercy of those seeking above all to profit from people's sometimes distressing situations.


Reports indicate that the Heim provides excellent care. I don't want that compromised, as I may need that care some day. I would like the Reading Eagle to publish details of the failed labor negotiations between the county and the health care workers' union. Are the union's demands excessive, or are they reasonable? What are the commissioners demanding from the union? Are these demands fair and reasonable?


In addition, I would like for one of the Eagle's talented writers to look into the following issue: Why is it that the health care workers at the Heim are supposed to solve any financial problems involved in continuing to operate it? Is a home for aging seniors not a public good, one that deserves to be supported by tax dollars?


I recall Commissioner Kevin S. Barnhardt saying last year that the cost to the taxpayers, in view of the promised Medicaid cut, would be quite minimal. I detect in the remarks from Republican Commissioners Mark C. Scott and Christian Y. Leinbach a strong distaste for any tax increase at any time and for any reason. Aren't taxes the price we pay for civilization?


Harriet Rauenzahn
Reading


Move to sell Heim is disheartening