Buoyed by voters; excited to serve | Letters

Published 11:55 am Tuesday, November 19, 2013

I thank the voters of San Juan County Public Hospital District  No. 1 for affording this new commissioner the opportunity to serve and learn.

I intend to do both with civility, reason and patience. Let’s work productively to air and, when possible, resolve differing views.

Upgrades to our county-based, nonprofit air ambulance service already are under discussion.

We all have an interest in further enhancing our award-winning Island Air Ambulance program. Broadening the service envelope, to include flights during known icing conditions, will be a great stride. We can do it, but need to accomplish this goal in a fiscally responsible manner and without increasing the existing district medical center or EMS levies.

We face challenges. Some we can tackle, and others we need to accept as part of island life. May we have the wisdom to know the difference, and work together to make improvements when feasible.

Again, thanks to district residents for supporting efforts to improve our Peace Island Medical Center and EMS services.

Mark Schwinge, Commissioner-elect, SJ hospital district