Dr. Gregory Ayers, Candidate for the Orcas position on the San Juan County Council.

From Kate Hansen, Greg Ayers Campaign Manager
Dr. Gregory M Ayers, an Orcas resident, is announcing his candidacy today for the Special Election that will fill the 3 new San Juan County Council positions created as a result of the passage of Proposition 1. Ayers has extensive business experience in the medical device industry and brings a multi-decade career of operating over a dozen privately financed start-up biotech companies. He presently serves the community as an elected commissioner of the Eastsound Water and Sewer District, as well as in a variety of volunteer positions. Recently, Ayers has used his experience and skills to support healthcare on Orcas Island; he is one of the founders of the Island  Reproductive Health  Initiative and  served on  the Board  of the Orcas Medical Foundation. Nationally, Ayers has provided input to the Obama administration on topics related to small businesses, fiscal policy, intellectual property rights and other governmental policies. Professionally, he is a recognized expert in abnormal heart rhythms and has developed medical devices including defibrillators, pacemakers, and health monitors. He now wants to apply his skills and experience to the operation of the government of San Juan County.

“Many people have asked me: Why?” Ayers comments. “With the passage of the controversial Proposition 1, it became clear to me that the county was going to need skilled commissioners who are willing and able to commit full time effort to undertake the operational activities of the county,” Ayers states. “I am driven by a passion  for improving our island life, helping my friends and neighbors, and being active in preserving the feeling and culture that keeps us all living here in the San Juans. After speaking with many people, I decided that I can apply my business and government knowledge and experience to help meet our local needs and achieve our community’s goals and objectives. Over many years I have developed processes to solve challenging problems and issues, building consensus and providing desirable results. I want the opportunity to work with all of the residents of the County in this newly created Council Member position to deliver effective government.”

“My wife and I got married at Rosario,” Ayers says,  “We  interacted  closely  with  the people we met on Orcas and were intrigued by the life they were living in the islands. It was the warm, friendly culture with people helping people attitude that we longed for after many years of living in traditional  “bedroom  communities”.   The  next  winter  we spent even more time in the islands, bought property with a small cabin, and never looked back.” Ayers adds “I want to do everything I can to assure that others can have the same experiences I have living here, the ultimate feeling of home.”

“Timing is always critical, interestingly perfect in this case,” Ayers continues. “In June I had made a decision to move on from my present position at ViewRay. I had decided I wanted to stay home, in the islands. I immediately began looking for ways to apply my skills locally, to work with my fellow island residents in as many ways as I could. Then, with the election results, this Council Member opportunity comes along.   Perfect timing? I think so.”

For more information, please visit www.ayers2013.com.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**