I am naturally concerned that people will look at the Blaine Manor override levy as a referendum on the county budget process. Please don't confuse the issues. The county does not have a statutory responsibility to financially support a nursing home, and the commissioners decided in the spring that an override levy was a reasonable option to continue the Manor's operation until such time that the Croy Canyon Ranch Continuing Care project was completed.
Blaine Manor provides exemplary care and has been recognized by the state of Idaho Department of Health and Welfare with six consecutive Schoonover Awards for "Excellence in Caring." We need this resource in our county and it should not become the victim of backlash sentiment.
John Chapman
Hailey