Editor,

One of the more important issues facing our country continues to be that of available and affordable health care. Recent changes at the federal level will undoubtably have consequences here on Whidbey Island as in other communities. Small hospital districts are at great risk and many rural hospitals are threatened by these changes and some have even closed.

It is for this reason that the upcoming votes for the Whidbey Island Public Hospital District commissioners are particularly important. As the district commissioners are charged with guiding our district through these challenging times, it is vital that we choose the best candidates.

Kirk Gasper, M.D. candidate for Position 5, has the personality and the work ethic to help the district, the hospital and the clinics survive and even thrive in these challenging times. His reputation while a physician at NAS Whidbey was stellar and his current work in telehealth can bring new perspectives to the rapidly evolving healthcare system we find ourselves in.

Please join me and many of my colleagues, both past and present, in supporting him for Position 5.

Dr. Lee W. Roof, M.D.

Oak Harbor