Brooks-TLC Hospital System, since 2016, has seen little progress regarding state funding.

In 2016, the Brooks-TLC Hospital System Inc. located in Chautauqua County was awarded $71 million in state funds to build a new facility. An exciting time for sure, as this has been long awaited due to an extremely aging facility. One that I see everyday when I come to work as an employee.

But here we sit, almost seven years later with nothing to show for it other than a building that has deteriorated at an alarming rate – to the point that it now affects how the hospital operates on a daily basis.

This has been a long, exhausting battle – one that starts and ends with, our politicians. They are the ones in charge who can make this new hospital happen. So, seven years later, why are we still in this situation?

Gov. Kathy Hochul, a “local” from Western New York, has had the ability to make this happen. Where is she in all of this? We have held rallies, been in the news, and had employees write countless letters to her office. Not one word. There is no way that at this point, she isn’t aware of our situation. Someone in her office is. Not to mention, she announced a $10 billion (yes, billion) healthcare plan. It’s time to cash in on the money they promised us.

However, the governor isn’t the only piece to this. Our local politicians play a large part in not only moving things along, but also knocking on the right doors to make sure these projects happen. Sen. George Borrello and Assemblyman Anderw Goodell have been involved for years, and have stated that they are “working behind the scenes” to make sure this new hospital is built. I, for one, no longer believe this to be true. After seven years there is no plausible way that if you were truly advocating for this hospital, that there wouldn’t have been a shovel in the ground already. The senator has a direct line of contact to the governor’s office. I know they are both busy, but in all these years there is no way this couldn’t have been a priority if they wanted it to be.

And then there’s Doug Essek, the mayor of Fredonia. Let’s not forget him, as he is slated to get the $71 million-plus asset. He has been downright silent in this fight, and I am sick of hearing the excuses.

He recently was quoted saying that he is “not in the loop” and, “I’ll bang on somebody’s door but I need to know what I’m banging about.”

Excuse me? You don’t know what you’re banging about? You should be embarrassed. How about a new hospital?

Not to mention, in July he was quoted that he would “personally knock on Governor Hochul’s office door.” So contrary to what you said mayor, why are you not knocking on her door? Do you not want our community and surrounding communities to thrive? To bring jobs, healthcare, business development to our area? Another five months have passed since you said you would knock on her door with no movement, no action being taken.

Enough is enough. Take responsibility and do something to move this project along. You said you would personally knock on her office door, so I’d like to see a small trip planned in your near future.

We are a small rural healthcare system that has been struggling much like most rural systems around the country. I do not want to be on the list of hospitals that are closing all over America. Our hospital employs more than 300 of the most caring individuals who are dedicated to saving and improving lives. If we close, myself and all employees will lose their jobs and another business will close, in an area that sorely needs all the help it can get.

Gov. Hochul, Sen. Borrello, Assemblyman Goodell, County Executive P.J. Wendel, Mayor Essek and Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas, all of you will be apologizing to not only the 300 plus employees that will lose their jobs, but also 150,000 people who will lose out on quality healthcare. Put a shovel in the ground before it’s too late.

Joseph D’Amore is a Brooks-TLC employee.