Editorial and Response

The following editorial was published by The Calvert Recorder:

http://www.somdnews.com/article/20110824/OPINION/708249956/1084/basic-care-is-not-a-luxury&template=southernMaryland

The following was my response (also printed by The Calvert Recorder):

I appreciate the Calvert Recorder providing an editorial view (August 24, 2011) on the recent contract award that provides free medical services to prisoners detained at our local detention center. The cost to Calvert’s citizens is over half a million dollars.

Awarding this contract was done by a 4 to 1 vote. I was the Commissioner who expressed concerns about this prisoner benefit, and confirmed that concern by voting my conscience (against the contract).

This contract is consistent with the recently passed FY12 budget and typical as one of the many expenses we ask our citizens to fund. However, during the budget build process, this level of detail into the county budget is not readily observed by our citizens.

With the Calvert Recorder editorializing this subject, perhaps we may now begin a more detailed dialogue with the citizens regarding what should, or should not be provided, or otherwise modified through the county’s use of taxpayer dollars.

Should our citizens, many who are struggling to “make ends meet” during this prolonged depressed economy fund “free medical treatment” for prisoners?

Is it acceptable having a program in place knowing there is no mechanism that requires the prisoners to make a Co-payment, or otherwise reimburse the citizens for the “luxury” of having medical treatment provided for free?

The issue is not providing basic care. The real issue remains that prisoners receive medical treatment without any mechanism requiring them to pay even a portion of that treatment. So, my expressed view was more long-term and clearly not “short-sighted.” I welcome hearing the views of fellow citizens. Feel free to e-mail me at slaughek@co.cal.md.us

Evan K. Slaughenhoupt, Jr.

Calvert County Commissioner