First, full disclosure: I’m at the public hearing for the proposed hospitals in Clemmons (Novant) and Davie County (WFU Baptist) and I’m here to speak in support of the Clemmons Hospital. That out of the way here’s my early observations:

There are at least 400 people here at Cornerstone Christian Church in Advance, NC. The place is mobbed

The breakdown looks like about 60/40 with the yellow shirts (Baptist) being 60 and the green shirts (Novant) being 40

I got here after the two companies made their pitch but in time for the doctors to say their pieces. The arguments break down to two major points: arguments in favor of Davie emphasize the labor and delivery it will provide and the arguments in favor of Clemmons emphasize the fact that 73% of residents in Clemmons and Lewisville use the Novant system (and 63% if you include Davie). Some OB-GYNs argued in favor of Clemmons because of a consolidated agreement between the providers to provide obstetric services and they were worried that the Davie hospital would dilute resources

We’re on to local leaders, politicians and residents. The mayor of Bermuda Run, where the Davie hospital would be located, just had a great line. He said that the residents would not mind the sirens because since they’re all elderly the sirens would mean help is on the way. Love it.

I’m behind over 140 people in line to speak. It’s gonna be a long day. More later Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry