In the wake of Wednesday’s Utica council meeting, two hospital officials discussed next steps Thursday on WIBX’s “First News with Keeler in the Morning.” Today, the Keeler show hosted two representatives of the Community Foundation. In both interviews, it was refreshing to hear how the new regional hospital project is moving forward; why many in the community support it; and why we should not, and cannot, give in to negativity and suspicion.
As show host Bill Keeler pointed out, our society is awash in suspicion: of governments, institutions, “the elite” and more. And it is a short and easy step from suspicion to opposition. As the community conversation about this transformational project continues, more information from the hospital and its partners will do a lot to answer legitimate questions and dispel rumor, exaggeration and anger.
As with any great undertaking, perfection is an aspiration–not a reality. Are there pros and cons? Of course. But we have a choice. We can continue to find fault and examine the flaws, or we can work collectively and discover ways to address them.
As one of those interviewed said, “We are one community, and we’re all in this together.”
