BREAKING: State officials now say Sunmount is not on closure list
An official with the Office for People with Development Disabilities just spoke with Martha Foley, NCPR’s news director, stating firmly that Sunmount is not on any closure lists, including one set for 2014.
We’ll have more on this story during All Before Five and again during the 8 O’clock Hour tomorrow, but again, state officials say this unambiguously.
The confusion – and deep anxiety in Tupper Lake – were triggered on Monday when OPWDD Commissioner Courtney Burke was asked directly by WCNY reporter Susan Arbetter whether Sunmount would be closed.
“We are seeking to close all of our developmental centers by the end of 2014,” Burke replied.
Her comments were rebroadcast on NCPR’s newcasts, triggering a wave of anxiety in the village, which relies on Sunmount for employment. This from the Adirondack Daily Enterprise:
[Village mayor Mickey Desmarais] said there were people crying as they heard the news of the facility’s closure on the radio Tuesday night and this morning.
“I mean, this is a huge wave of panic,” Desmarais said.
Again, this is a developing story. Tune in to All Before Five this evening for more details.
Need to retire the term breaking news. Extra, Extra, Read all about it is better.
2014 is a long way off. Both officials could be right. The question for NCPR and ADE is this. Is the word of one official all that it takes to make a verified news story. Don’t journalists verify their stuff anymore? I guess you figure since they are an official in the department talking on the record they should have a clue.
“WOW”