Hospital sales tax issue should be a no-brainer

I don't like taxes any more than the next guy, but it seems to be the best way to evenly share the costs of many of our services and facilities. The burden is not carried by any single group, such as property owners, and the rate is the same whether you are rich or poor. And unless you're buying something that has a high price tag, no one is going to suffer over one-cent on the dollar in additional taxes.

But, let's look at what might happen should the sales tax issue fail -- and heaven forbid we lose our hospital.

I'm one of the many local residents that can thank the staff of Piggott Community Hospital for giving me back the life of a loved one. My Mom suffered a major heart attack in 1995, but thanks to the efforts of the E.R. staff and Dr. Sheridan she was resuscitated, stabilized and then sent on to Jonesboro for surgery. She died in that examination room, no two ways about it, but trained professionals were there to bring her back and give us many more years with her. I can't put a price tag on that, can you?

All I know from the experience is that my mother would have died many years before she did if it were not for the existence of Piggott Community Hospital.

I know people that can point out a spot on the highway where their loved ones died in an ambulance, trying to get to a hospital for much-needed care. Do you think any of them would agree that a penny on the dollar was too much to pay for having a facility nearby that could have saved their lives?

It's also obvious to me the benefit of the convenience that the local hospital offers, including ambulance service, home health care and home medical supplies. Having the hospital and specialty clinic nearby saves local residents thousands of miles in travel each year, and these are often the people who have the hardest time finding adequate transportation.

If that doesn't convince you, think about the economic impact of the hospital. It boasts the top payroll in the area, is the city's biggest utility customer and plays a key role in attracting economic development. If you don't think Piggott Community Hospital has a big impact on the local economy, just talk to someone from a city that has lost their hospital to the current economic conditions.

As a member of the media I don't usually take sides on issues or endorse candidates, but I wholeheartedly encourage the passage of the hospital sales tax issue. And, I encourage everyone to support the issue and work together to get it approved.

But, if you think you have a reason to oppose the issue please try to clarify the situation. Don't vote on what you hear in the coffee shop, or such, educate yourself on the facts. I also encourage everyone to attend the public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 8, at the Piggott Community Center to learn more.