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FACILITY: Naysayers, help us understand

| July 4, 2014 9:04 PM

In the Thursday, June 26th issue of The Press, a story contained information about a Behavioral Health Community Crisis Center that is being constructed in Idaho Falls rather than in CDA. It appears much of the reason for this lies with split legislative support when the issue came up before the Legislature. Why is that?

Since this $2.1 million structure will now be constructed elsewhere in the state, and supported with state funds for staffing, I would like Reps. Barbieri, Mendive, Sims, and Sen. Nonini to explain their opposing vote here in the paper so that the voting public can understand their thinking.

My simplistic view is that the building is going to be built and supported with state funds and, given that, wouldn’t it be better for this community’s health and well being to have the center here rather than have it constructed elsewhere in Idaho? The CDA community could have used the construction money, jobs, and inflow of state funds, as well as the benefits of the center. Our mental health community surely was contacted by the opposing legislators to obtain the facts prior to voting.

The explanation of the need and costliness of not having the facility provided by Rep. Malek sounds reasonable, but those who voted against it seemingly did so because of other reasons which have not been explained to the public. I would like those thoughts provided to The Press so everyone can better understand why this facility will not be here helping this community.

The comments provided by legislators who opposed the project to the effect of not being able to support larger state government is not adequate for my understanding of their opposing votes on this issue.

ROLLY JURGENS

Dalton Gardens