Numbers On Gracedale Overblown

If I were to debate Northampton County Councilman Bruce Gilbert over his numbers on Gracedale (Op-Ed column, May 12), I’d ask him to show me proof that a private company would get $4 million more than the county does in reimbursements. There is no documentation of this. It is pure speculation from a buyer that wants desperately to purchase the home because they are literally getting it and some very valuable land for pennies on the dollar.
Gilbert asserts that cuts in Gov. Tom Corbett’s budget will cost us $725,000 in 2011 if we keep the home. Ironically, the Department of Health and Human Services (from where Gracedale’s state money is allocated) has been one of the few places that have avoided the governor’s draconian cuts.
Gilbert says we’d need a 9 percent to 28 percent tax increase to keep Gracedale. Taking his worst-case scenario, a $15 million bond and five years of $6 million losses, the total projected losses would be $45 million. A 28 percent tax increase over five years yields $100 million. Why does the county need an additional $55 million?
I encourage everyone to vote “yes” on the referendum. These scare tactics and misrepresentations will not come to pass. Simply remember that between 2005 and 2010 Gracedale made more than $2 million. The administration said the home would lose $45 million over that same time period. Why should we believe that they or Gilbert are correct after several years of getting it wrong?

STEPHEN J. BARRON JR.
Northampton County controller
Bethlehem

May 13, 2011 ET Opinion