Wittingly or unwittingly, a number of factions in this community appear to be locked in a game of chicken as they plot a new course for ambulance service in Columbus and Bartholomew County.

The various participants are to be commended for their efforts to attain the kind of service that best suits their constituents at the lowest cost possible.

Mayor Kristen Brown and the County Commissioners have been especially adamant in their approaches — the commissioners pressuring the present provider (Columbus Regional Hospital) for a dramatic lowering of subsidies, and the mayor soliciting bids from a variety of potential providers.

There is one element, however, that must be integral to whatever plan is finally adopted.

This must continue to be a collaborative effort in which the county and the city act in tandem.

Although the final outcome will be decided only after protracted and intense negotiations, the representatives of these two local governments should endeavor to approach this with a mindset bent on providing quality service to all of Bartholomew County’s residents.

Think your friends should see this? Share it with them!