Speakers Opposed Closing Hospital

* Referring to the article in The Times concerning the task force being assembled to discuss what to do with Camarillo Sate Hospital and Developmental Center when it is closed:

It is interesting that a recent article concerning the task force assembled to discuss what to do with Camarillo State Hospital and Developmental Center made no mention of the three public hearings held recently in Camarillo at which speakers showed great opposition to the closing of the facility.

Only two people on this task force are likely to vote in favor of retaining the center, one mentioning that he will seek proof that the retention of the center is not economically feasible, and the other with a son residing there.

James Shorter has certainly changed his tune from some years back when he, as CEO of the North Los Angeles Regional Center, was stating publicly that he would be in severe difficulties in placing people in great need of placement without a state facility. This was at the same time hearings where being held both in Northern and Southern California on the question of abuse in community settings. Notable are figures put out right now concerning the difference in the death rate in the community versus state facilities across the country ranging from 47% to more than 70% higher in the community than in state facilities.

The cynicism of Gov. Wilson’s efforts to save money should come as no surprise, however: the welfare of residents was never a consideration with him.

KATHERINE McCORMARK

Tarzana