County Council criticizes hospital deal changes

County Council criticizes hospital deal changes, Possible delay, rising costs prompt threats of opposition to sale of three hospitals.
Gazette, 24 Feb 2009 (Valentine).

Prince George's County Council members threatened Tuesday to oppose a proposal to sell the county's three ailing public hospitals individually and said a proposal to delay the sale would cost the county more to keep the centers operating.

"Deep down, I don't feel the optimism at this point," Council Chairwoman Marilynn M. Bland (D-Dist. 9) of Clinton told officials with the Prince George's Hospital Authority, a committee appointed to oversee the sale of the hospital system.

Officials for County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) declined to comment about the hospital deal status.
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"I don't see myself supportive of anything you do," Councilman Thomas E. Dernoga (D-Dist. 1) of Laurel said about the Hospital Authority. "I think the county has already bitten off more than it can chew."
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"Where did this come from? Who drafted it?" asked Councilwoman Camille Exum (D-Dist. 7) of Capitol Heights, holding up a copy of the bill. "It seems like there are a lot of things in here that are not in our best interest."
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"Is this pie in the sky, something we're just throwing out there? Or is this something with a good shot of coming through?" asked Councilman Eric C. Olson (D-Dist. 3) of College Park.

Bland hinted that the council might actively oppose the authority in the General Assembly. [More]

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(Posted 24 Feb 2009)