Does Chairman of the Watauga County Commissioners Nathan Miller actually consider it a favor that the counties “stepped up” to pay New River Behavioral Healthcare salaries that we worked for? 

For his information, every one of us faced a major interruption in our lives in one way or another. Not everyone was hired by the new provider, and many who were being paid significantly less. Many, including myself, have suffered health problems in part due to the process of the shutdown of New River. 

For better or worse, each and every one of us stuck it out until the end to perform our duties to the best of our abilities under extremely harsh circumstances. We put our hearts and souls into this work because we actually believed in what New River stood for. 

For him to make comments as he did is both ignorant and insulting to not just the former employees, but the to clients who we served and to the community as a whole. How much longer are you and the rest of the board going to spend county money to hide from your responsibilities? 

The citizens have not been well- represented at all during this whole process, despite Miller's claims. The vacation pay is part of the compensation that we expected to have when we left the company. It is the board's duty to see that this responsibility is fulfilled.
Matthew Ross
Vilas

Editor's note: The writer indicates he is a former NRBH employee.