Times Union: Will Scott privatize Florida hospitals?

[Patricia M. McBride]

Macclenny residents worry about their largest employer

Posted: December 12, 2010 - 12:00am

By Brandon Larrabee

TALLAHASSEE - Despite fears that Gov.-elect Rick Scott might propose privatizing some state functions, several lawmakers said they haven't heard what will happen to the state-run Northeast Florida State Hospital in Macclenny.

A spokesman for Scott's transition said the governor-elect has not decided on the mental health hospital's future.

"The governor-elect has proven in the past that private hospitals can deliver quality, affordable care," Trey Stapleton said. "But every location is different, so he would need to see more information before he would be in a position to decide anything."

The fate of the hospital was at the heart of a fierce battle in the 2009 session, when legislative leaders tried to push through a measure that would privatize the facility. They jettisoned the plan after running into opposition from the local community and some Republicans, particularly Sen. Charlie Dean, R-Inverness, and Rep. Janet Adkins, R-Fernandina Beach.

The measure was strongly backed by The GEO Group, a Boca Raton-based privatization giant that could have been one of the main contenders if the hospital were converted. GEO is also a major player in the debate over privatized prisons - a plan the Scott administration has not proposed but has also refused to rule out.

Scott tapped Donna Arduin, who once served on the board of a GEO spinoff and supported a privatization push in California, to head his budget advisory board.

Many Baker County residents fear privatization of the hospital because it is the largest employer in the area and accounts for a large slice of the county's economy. But supporters said letting a privately owned company run the facility could save the state money.

Dean said he hasn't heard anything specific to indicate the hospital could again be in the line of fire.

"You've got people trying to stir up the fact that the new governor believes in privatization," Dean said.

Adkins also said Wednesday she has not heard anything to indicate that Scott could be interested in privatization.

Former Sen. Durrell Peaden, R-Crestview, flatly ruled out the idea of converting the hospital before the 2010 session, but he has since left the Senate because of term limits. He was replaced by Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart.

GEO has been a generous contributor to campaigns from both political parties, but particularly to the Florida GOP in recent years. A company subsidiary poured $100,000 into the party's accounts in September and October, about the same time the Republicans were investing heavily in Scott's campaign for governor.

But local lawmakers said they're alert and will keep an eye out for the facility's future.

"I will fight [privatization] until the last day I'm in the Legislature," Dean said. "Period."

brandon.larrabee@jacksonville. com, [phone]

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-12-12/story/will-scott-priv...