During my career in public service I have always had a thing about hospitals. While a reporter in Lakeland, Fl., I noticed that the community hospital was old and overcrowded. I began a series of articles pointing out the number of patients waiting in beds in the hallways for a room to open. I pictured the unsanitary conditions and the lack of creature comforts in the facility.
The old-timers said I would never gather enough support to persuade the people to vote a tax increase on themselves, because a large number of citizens were snowbirds with little community interests. I persisted, and when the ballots were cast, the votes were overwhelmingly in favor of a $6 million general obligation issue. Coupled with Hill Burton funds from the federal government, a new facility was constructed. Today Lakeland's regional hospital stands as one of the best, and serves a large population in Central Florida. I am proud of that. The achievement persuaded me to enter public service where I stayed for 30 years.
My first full-time city manager's job began in 1963 in Princeton, W.Va. One of the first problems encountered was the poor conditions at the local hospital, which was owned and operated by doctors. Despite fierce resistance I spoke before various community organizations and marshaled enough support to evoke a local bond issue. Hill Burton funds again provided the extra impetus and a new hospital was built. Also, with federal funds, Princeton constructed a 1,300 acre water reservoir which today provides citizens with an ample supply. After four years, I returned to Florida and served in Bartow, New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach Shores and Eustis.
When I came to Eustis in 1977, I was challenged by a city in need of a makeover. The sewer system was antiquated. Raw sewage flowed into Trout Lake, the water distribution system was insufficient, streets were unpaved and the city faced a $1 million lawsuit for historic discrimination by the NAACP. The problems were so massive that federal funds were needed. On my recommendation, the city commission adopted the required federal mandates pertaining to equal rights for all citizens. More than $12 million in federal funds were obtained, much of it used to modernize the neglected east side, expand the entire water system and tackle drainage problems. I can say without arrogance that when I retired in 1985 I left behind a city that was cleaner and safer -- a better place, I think. Isn't that what we should aim for?
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