All six candidates for three different positions on the San Juan County Public Hospital District #1 board gathered Sept. 30 to answer questions submitted by the community.

Around 142 people came to the forum, though an early question by moderator Jack Cory made clear that most in attendance had already made up their mind. When Cory asked the audience how many were undecided, just a few hands were raised.

The forum focused on questions of budgets, the EMS levy and communication and accessibility of the board and hospital to the community. Only a few questions near the end of the forum touched on end-of-life directives and abortion services, two issues which have been the most divisive in the non-partisan race.

Each candidate said that personal beliefs would not interfere with their role on the board, and all but two said that they did not seek political endorsements. Bill Williams said he did seek political endorsement from all parties so that they could be well informed voters, and Monica Harrington also sought endorsements from local groups.

Bill Hancock, Bill Wiliams, Jenny Ledford and Michelle Loftus all stated they would not look to change the contract with PeaceHealth, while Barbara Sharp said she would not seek it, but was not opposed to it if it improved access to islanders. Harrington said that she saw amendments to contracts as a normal process of growth.

The next candidate forum will be held Oct. 6 by the League of Women Voters at 7 p.m. at the Grange in Friday Harbor.