Wishard opposition battling PR campaign

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A political action committee was formed Wednesday to fight the referendum for a new Wishard Hospital.

Carl Moldthan of the Indianapolis Taxpayers Association said the plans calling for no tax increase are too good to be true.

"We're gonna fight it," said Moldthan. "I mean that sincerely."

Moldthan said months of research convince him that the idea of using general obligation bonds for the new hospital (bonds backed by taxpayers) is risky. He said revenue bonds (bonds paid back with hospital income) are a better way to go.

"That way, the revenues from this could have paid for it and we wouldn't be stuck if something goes wrong, which I give about a 90-percent chance it will."

Deborah Daniels of the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee is working for the referendum.

"The reason that they're using general obligation bonds is that they'll bring a lower interest rate, which is a good thing," said Daniels.

The Wishard supporters have a head start. The group Citizens for Wishard have campaign flyers, direct mail pieces and radio ads in favor of the referendum that would permit construction of a new $700 million facility.

"The opposition can come, the opposition can go," said Citizens for Wishard Co-Chairman Dennis Fishburn, "But when it's all said and done, look at Wishard, look at the facilities, look at how old they are."

The voters will decide on November third.

In the meantime, Carl Moldthan and the opponents of the referendum will get some help from Tea Party organizers.

Supporters have a Web site and a blog to go along with a Facebook page . They're still favored to win the referendum.