Editor,

The Whidbey Hospital District and WhidbeyHealth care in general are at a crossroads. Over the past several years, Island County residents have increasingly sought medical professionals and services in neighboring counties. This is a situation that nobody wants, but it reflects real concern about how our medical needs are met locally, particularly after the challenges brought on by the COVID crisis and the decreasing number of health providers on the island.

It doesn’t need to be this way. Marion Jouas has offered the voters her unprecedented credentials, leadership skills and depth of knowledge of medical systems as a candidate for commissioner, Position 1, for the Whidbey Public Hospital District. Marion is a 40-year registered nurse and retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. She has a masters degree in Health Systems Management. Not one of the current commissioners — including her opponent — is a health care professional.

Additionally, she has served as a highly successful president of the WhidbeyHealth Foundation Board, recognizing that fundraising and community presence and involvement are vital elements in the future of public and private health organizations.

I have spent the past half-century in public and private positions in Island and Skagit counties. I feel strongly that an exceptionally capable and true public servant has placed herself before the voters. It’s not easy to be the candidate. Marion has done so, for all the right reasons, and we are fortunate to have someone with her skills and assets step up to help make Whidbey an even better place. She has my vote, support, and gratitude.

John M. Meyer

Langley