HAMMONTON BLOG

As a candidate for Mayor, I wanted to discuss an opportunity that will benefit all of Hammonton as well as surrounding areas.  The opportunity to which I am referring is the conversion of the Kessler facility into a Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital.  So, I will share the thoughts of myself and my running mates, Freeholder candidate Sam Mento and Town Council candidates, Mike Ammirato, Jim Scarpato and Carmen Villani, for moving forward.
 

State Senator Jeff Van Drew (D-1) and Assemblymen Nelson Albano (D-1) and Matthew Millam (D-1) have written to our U.S. Senators requesting that Kessler Hospital be converted into a fully operational VA Hospital.  Assuming that the satellite emergency room could be maintained, my running mates and I fully endorse this proposal.  There are four reasons.
 

First, everyones healthcare would improve.  A VA Hospital does not crowd out other healthcare providers since the VA targets a specific group.  Actually, a VA attracts other healthcare providers by providing a stable anchor for healthcare and encouraging collaboration.  I often think of my experiences at Duke where I witnessed DukeHospital and the VA of Durham located literally across the street from one another.  Doctors worked for both entities and provided top-rate care to both veterans and non-veterans.  Ultimately, in terms of healthcare, we can maintain what we have and add more.
 

Second, there is the issue of jobs and immediate economic growth.  KesslerHospitals closure led to the loss of several hundred jobs.  A VA Hospital would potentially mean the return of these jobs and probably more.  These will be long-term, sustainable, high-quality jobs that will not be eliminated due to economic downturns.  The return of these jobs means the return of customers for the establishments that Kesslers closure negatively impacted.  Since this VeteransHospital will serve individuals from all over South Jersey, many local businesses will have access to new customers.  This is an opportunity that no downtown advocate could refuse.
 

Third, a VeteransHospital means innovation and long-term economic growth.  As I mentioned earlier one of my goals is to ensure that every Hammontonian has a digital medical record. The presence of the VA, a leader in electronic medical records, could allow the transfer of best practices to our medical community. Not only would digital records improve the quality of our care, their use also would attract technology companies by creating a market for their products.  Such companies mean the high-paying jobs that Hammonton needs.
 

Fourth and most importantly, assisting our veterans is the right thing to do.  Another Mayor, Pericles, the leader of the ancient city-state of Athens, said that our veterans represent what is best in us.  His words are as right today as they were 2500 years ago.  For this reason, we as citizens are obligated to provide our veterans quality, convenient healthcare.  Hammonton has a long tradition of service to the nation.  We have an equally long tradition of service to our veterans.  One has to simply see the hard work that is done by our Tri-Vets Organizations.  Hosting a VeteransHospital is a natural fit for our Town.
 

But ideas without actions are only ink on paper.  For this reason, we must put political differences aside and act.  We must make it known that Hammonton would welcome a VA Hospital.  For our part, the Hammonton Democrats will be circulating a petition to show support for the VA.  If you would like to sign the petition or circulate one among acquaintances, please feel free to contact us.
 

Sam, Mike, Jim, Carmen and I will be sending letters to our federal and state representatives in support of a VA on the condition that the satellite emergency room remains open.  We want to include your thoughts. Perhaps, you are a veteran and your travel to your current source of care is inconvenient.  Maybe you are a former Kessler employee.  You could be a small-business owner and see a VA Hospital as an opportunity.  Or you might be simply a concerned citizen.  Regardless, send us your input for the letters.  Again, contact us. Our email is info@hammontondems.org and our mailing address is P.O. Box 914, Hammonton.
 

A remarkable opportunity is before us.  Seizing the opportunity is our choice.  So let us unite and begin making Hammonton better.
 

Joseph Ingemi

Democratic Nominee for Mayor of Hammonton