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My wife and I have lived in Craig since 1980.

I have experienced many changes in Craig, as well as The Memorial Hospital, during the years. I was recruited to be part of the medical staff to be an anesthesia provider. It was an exciting time.

Craig has continued to grow since that time, and now we are seeing even more expanded growth. The infrastructure in 1980 was impressive with the new schools, new public buildings (library and city hall) and the promise of a new hospital expansion project.

The progressive growth was one of the many reasons my wife and I chose to locate here, and we are glad we did.

What gives me the most pleasure in my profession is helping people. I get great joy in providing care to the patients who I know and to those I have just met. I get to appreciate the value of a small community hospital.

I see on a daily basis what goes on in our hospital. It is apparent that our medical staff, including our visiting physicians, value the care that is provided here. It also is obvious that in order to provide such patient care, we not only have to be competitive in today's medical marketplace, we need to be functional. That means larger operating rooms, hallways, state-of-the-art equipment and expanded services. Orthopedics, urology and opthamology all require adequate space to accommodate equipment and staff.

I strongly believe that in order for Craig to prosper and grow, the taxpayers of Moffat County need to look to the future, as I did in 1980, and support tax initiatives 1A and 3A.

It is time for us to shed the cloak of status quo, step up to the plate and give Northwest Colorado functional facilities and the pride it deserves.

Sincerely,

Michael Lyon