Some say it’s best to hear all the arguments before giving an opinion, but in this case it’s not: Don’t sell Whidbey General Hospital to a private corporation.

In an ill-timed appearance in the midst of a $50 million hospital bond election, a representative from Capella Healthcare of Tennessee will be making a pitch for his corporation to operate the hospital through a purchase or long-term lease. The details are unimportant. What is important is that Whidbey General Hospital is publicly owned by the people in the Whidbey Island Public Hospital District, and that is how it should remain.

A cynic might say Capella is coming forward at this time to purposely torpedo the bond election, a mail-ballot affair that ends May 17. A cynic might be right about that. Capella may offer to build the new wing of 39 private beds itself, fronting the money through a long-term lease. All it is asking is that the public hospital sell its soul and give up operating control, all for a pretty new wing and perhaps some fuzzy promises on staffing levels, future capital expenditures and quality of patient care.

No doubt the Capella representative will tell a tempting tale on Monday, May 9, during the hospital’s board meeting starting at 6 p.m. in the conference room. He may appear warm, friendly and inviting, but look under his hospital gown and you’ll see a wolf, not your grandmother.

Health care costs are a complex issue, but it makes sense that a for-profit enterprise is going to put making money at the apex of its goals, rather than serving the public. Whidbey General Hospital has its problems, primarily financial, but the employees know who they work for, the public appreciates their efforts, and they are not to be squeezed for more profit. Its board meets in public and hospital leaders are readily available in our own community, not in Tennessee.

Whether the bond election is successful or not, Whidbey General must remain public. If there are serious financial problems, the elected board must be open about them. They should listen politely to the Capella presentation and then get on with their real business, which is serving the public by making Whidbey General the best it can be, regardless of the outcome of the May 17 election.