We have a district hospital commission election coming up and I hope all voters are taking a close look at the candidates and the issues.

This is a nonpartisan race. That one political party has chosen to endorse a slate of candidates anyway is unfortunate. This is a time in the life of the island that we should keep our eyes on the nonpolitical nature of our health and our care.

Illness and injury can hit any one of us and we are extremely fortunate to have the Peace Island Medical Center and Emergency Medical Service personnel.

The candidates should be looked at as individuals, not as a partisan voting bloc. We need independent thought and fidelity to the commissioner position from hard-working people who will focus on us, not advance personal agendas and not invite interference from outside groups.  Candidates who invite litigation are doing us a disservice.

Jenny Ledford is one of our island neighbors who fills the commissioner job description perfectly. She is a leader, a seasoned professional who can work with diverse groups without axe grinding, a communication expert who has worked with our EMS personnel, and someone who is warm and genuine.

Jenny is a good person, a full-time resident who will embrace a full time commitment to island residents. She has a history of community involvement, and understands the requirements of a hospital commissioner’s position.

You will have the opportunity to vote for three candidates. I urge you to include Jenny Ledford in that number. You won’t be sorry.

Rich Peterson

San Juan Island