Editorial Comments

Well it seems my editorial comments in the Tribune this week has ruffled a few feathers. I have had two phone calls, a few emails and lots of comments from patients. Comments have ranged from extremely supportive to somewhat angry about my remarks.

Since editorials are supposed to be thought-provoking and stimulating, I guess it was successful. Editorials typically are controversial and not everyone will agree. Again, I guess in that sense, it also was successful.

I was invited by the staff at the Tribune to participate on the E-board and felt it was another good avenue to bring a different viewpoint to local readers.

For those who didn’t see the article, the question was asked:

What are your opinions of Floyd County government's past — and possibly future — efforts to stop new hospitals from building locally?

My response was:

Floyd County government continually amazes everyone at their inability to overcome the “good-ol-boy” mentality and their lack of vision. Progress to them means “protect the cronies” and maintain the “status quo”. Vision, growth, competition, and change terrify our local leaders.

Being democrat in Floyd County is “tribal”. Once born into it, few ever leave. But the majority has lost the true purpose and goals of the party.

Continually wasting time, effort and our money trying to prevent competition with the new hospital is just one example.

Dan Eichenberger M.D.

I do not believe that all “democrats” are tribal just as I do not believe all republicans are most qualified. But when you continue to see the same attitudes and behaviors from our local leaders, most of whom are the same democrats year after year, you have to acknowledge the obvious.

We have lost out on numerous opportunities for our city and county because of our local leaders and decisions. They continue to delay downtown developments and the Greenway project. They continue to try and stifle competition in many areas. They lost out on the casino several years ago, they lost out on having our own rehab hospital several years ago, and now they will lose more jobs and tax revenue with the new hospital. It will come and it will likely be right next door in Clark County.

In addition, our local leaders cannot seem to hold each other accountable. Therefore, when it comes time to hold “slumlords” accountable for the dilapidated buildings and rental properties that continually drive down property values and progress, our leaders do not find it important to do what is right.

I’d be willing to bet that most of our current leaders have never crossed party lines when it came to voting. I have voted for individuals in both parties. I vote for those I think are most qualified and most likely to help this city and county succeed.

I am Republican because I believe in more individual responsibility, less government, less entitlement programs, lower taxes and more conservative and traditional values. I believe in progress and the “free market” and increased accountability for everyone.

Neither party is perfect. But since we really only have a two party system; working through one of these two parties is the only rational way to have any success in making changes.