I am responding to the “Health and wealth” article in the Sun Journal Feb. 14. When I read the front-page story, I was taken aback by its negativity.

As an example, by reporting Central Maine Healthcare is part of a group that “prompted Gov. John Baldacci to spend millions to pay the hospitals back” is essentially excusing the non-payments.

I pay $191 per year to have the Sun Journal delivered to my home. What would happen if I didn’t pay my debt? Would paper delivery continue? We all know that it wouldn’t. So, why are hospitals expected to wait many, many years for payments owed?

There might be a news story in the fact that the organization just received the 2005 Medicaid settlement!

This is my 30th year at Central Maine Medical Center. I have been here for many new programs, including radiation therapy, LifeFlight, the physician practices and cardiac center. I am extremely proud to work here and to have been part of the success.

If any of the Sun Journal staff were hospitalized at Central Maine Medical Center, we pledge to take the highest level of care and compassion to provide the best, most professional care to be found anywhere. The public is right to expect quality in health care and people will receive it here.

Thank you for allowing alternative viewpoints.

Jerry Marstaller, Hartford

Benefits manager, Central Maine Healthcare