text: I wrote an OpEd, published in the RG, proposing that alternatives do exist.  Building the hospital was a mistake.  It was not necessary and, indeed, the money could have supported community-level facilities and services.  Democratic leaders in Salem propose compounding that mistake by continuing to operate the facility at $500K/patient.  Pardon a bit of tastelessness, but that is insane.  
  
  I proposed the current patients could be transferred to open beds at the Salem Psychiatric Hospital (they're available), and the JC facility could be used for the proposed expansion of female prison capacity.  House Democrats, including Rep. Fehey from our District, had no criticism of the suggestion........they simply ignored it.  
  
  The hospital will remain open, that  $50 million will continue to be spent, community-based mental health care will continue to be underfunded, and our legislators will continue to ignore public input.   IMO, that's rather sad at all levels.  Gary Crum