Letter to Editor | Art Lange, Diane Boteler Are Our Choices

— from Melinda Milligan (CNM) and Dave Zoeller (Paramedic) —

As long–time residents of Orcas, and as medical providers (midwife and paramedic) for many of those years, we feel that the proposed hospital district is a viable solution to many of the problems with primary care we have seen over the last 30 years. With stable funding and island commissioners who represent us, we are hopeful that stable primary care, urgent care, and after-hours care could at last be a reality for our island home.

We are grateful to the individuals who have come forth as commissioner candidates for the proposed district, for it will undoubtedly be a real effort on their part to bring the district into reality. Of the contested races, we favor Art Lange for District 3 and Diane Boteler for District 4. Both have lived on the island long enough to have a good grasp of the issues, and both have proven track records of being able to work with diverse individuals to achieve a common end goal.

We have worked with Art as a facilitator and advisor on issues relating to the Fire Department, and have been impressed with his ability to listen, to clarify, and to move discussion and action plans forward.

Diane has the advantage of her history of working in primary care on Orcas and other rural settings and brings her first-hand knowledge to the position. We have both worked with her in the past and feel she would be a most valuable member to the board.

We urge all our fellow islanders to take this issue seriously and consider approving the district and these two candidates.