Editor,

I read the article that described the financial condition of WhidbeyHealth. One would conclude that the hospital is in very poor financial health.

This is not good.

After having obtained the following information, it is not hard for me to see why our publicly owned hospital is in a dreadful financial condition. The commissioners whom we elect to those positions are living in a fantasy world. During their meeting in November 2020 they gave a contract to Mr. Ron Telles. That contract was for a base salary of $430,000 with a 2.5 percent cost of living increase annually.

The previous CEO, Geri Forbes, was paid $390,000 and a bonus of 70,000.00 if expectations were met. The current CEO is receiving $40,000 more than we paid Ms. Forbes.

This will give Mr. Telles a contract to be CEO of a 25-bed critical access hospital. The president of the United States has an annual salary of $400,000. Mr. Telles has a larger salary than the president of the United States.

Currently, there are nine executive positions under the CEO for a critical access hospital. Mr. Telles has hired a number of consultants to help him do his job. Apparently, his duties are so great and complex he needs additional help.

The nurses still do not have a contract. What will they be paid with, Monopoly dollars?

We need commissioners who live in the same world as the residents of Island County, not a fantasy world.

Rosemary Brown

Coupeville