To the editor:

When I moved to Peabody during Labor Day weekend 2008, I had no intention of being here three years. I had no plans on getting involved in an economic development project that may shape the future of Peabody for generations. And I sure as heck didn’t plan on running for public office. But … plans change.

I found Legacy Park (now known as the Peabody Care Center) to be the ideal environment for the respectful treatment of elders and staff. Most of the staff had grown up in the area and had a true appreciation for the value of the service that they provided to the vulnerable adults that live here. My biggest regret is that I didn’t know “my” residents 50 years ago, when they were men and women in their prime, when they were the “movers and shakers” of Peabody.

The bond that held Legacy Park/Peabody Care Center together over the nearly three years that I have been here was the knowledge that the respect, honor, and even love that we have had for each other allowed us to know Legacy Park truly cared for residents and staff. I am sincerely proud of what we had accomplished.

My predecessor told me that “Peabody didn’t know if it wanted to live or die.” I have found nothing further from the truth. My affiliation with the Peabody Economic Development Commission, the City Council, and many business women and men around town, have shown me that that Peabody wants to live and grow well into the 21st Century.

I am honored to have been able to play a small role in that. The Baker Lofts project is unlike anything undertaken by a community of this size in Kansas. The potential is tremendous.

As you all know, Peabody Care Center is under new management. New management means new personalities and new expectations. I have been advised that my approach to managing Peabody Care Center does not meet the expectations of the Deseret Health Group. My termination was effective immediately. I wish I had been afforded the time and opportunity to say good-bye to each of you personally. Unfortunately, this method will have to do.

As I started out saying, I never planned for my stay in Peabody to extend this long. I have enjoyed myself here. I have made friends that will be a part of my life for years to come. I feel that I have had a small, positive impact on the community. I wish you all a bright future. I will miss you.

David Scott
Topeka