This is an exciting and critical time for our community.  The creation of a Public Hospital District (PHD) gives us a new tool to design build and, in some instances, streamline the delivery of health care to fit the unique needs of our community.  

The election of the first Hospital Board of Commissioners is important.  As the first governing body of this public funded PHD, the Board will be charged with defining the structure of our PHD; determining the level of assistance provided existing practices; establishing performance metrics; and exercising fiduciary responsibility in setting the level of taxation necessary to ensure efficient delivery of high quality services to as many members of the Orcas community as possible.  The decisions made by this Board will influence the quality of health care services available to our community for years to come.  

I believe I have both the vision and skills needed to act positively in this vital process.   

As a 37-year Orcas Island resident, I know the history of our health management challenges and appreciate the importance of health care delivery to maintaining our economically diverse population.  As a small business owner and a former County Council member, I understand budgeting and willing to ask hard questions to pursue solutions using limited financial resources.  I am a consensus builder—I will seek out and listen to diverse viewpoints, work collaboratively to find balanced solutions and act decisively to address issues of concern.