To the editor:

Our organization, the Technical, Professional and Officeworkers Association of Michigan (TPOAM) has the privilege of working with all of the professional nurses employed at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility. We have come to realize that their compassionate care to residents is complimented by a hardworking support staff and accentuated by comprehensive programs initiated and supervised by its administration.

Rehabilitation services, post-hospital care; long-term care; orthopedic surgeries; treatment of neurological and neuromuscular disorders, restorative therapies, hospice, diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; are just some of the services available to our seniors.

We have seen firsthand the diminishing of these services when a facility’s funding is cut or privatization occurs. That is why we encourage all of your readers to vote “Yes” on the tax limitation renewal for the HCMCF.

Citizens need to know that this is not a millage increase! It is simply a renewal of the current rate that will allow Houghton County Medical Care Facility employees to provide those same high-quality services without sacrifice to our relatives.

Voting “Yes” maintains the current funding level and does not increase taxes by one penny, but it does buy peace of mind for many families that have loved ones whose quality of life depends on a fully functional facility.

We also encourage the Daily Mining Gazette to endorse the renewal limitation and join all of us in our ongoing mission.

Ed Jacques

Redford, Mich.