I have been asked to comment on the services of Wilson Strategic in the conduct of my campaign for the San Juan County Public Hospital District Board. I offer this statement:

Concerned about allegations circulating today in regard to PeaceHealth being a client of Wilson Strategic are accurate only to the fact that Wilson Strategic in the past, did work for a PeaceHealth in early 2014. Their work involved government relations in transforming Washington Medicaid policy for southwest Washington counties. Their work expanded the inclusion for Medicaid participation, which serves the most financially vulnerable. I found that fact out today by asking. Did any of the people reporting these allegations online know this?

I also phoned our hospital here and spoke with Beth Geiger, hospital administrator. I asked if she knew of Wilson Strategic, her answer was, “No.” I asked if she knew Wilson Strategic had done work for any PeaceHealth group  and her answer was, “No.”  She did comment that the hospital here does not involve itself in local elections so she would not have any reason to be aware of Wilson Strategic or their services.

I am grateful to everyone who endorsed my candidacy through monetary or in-kind donations and I believe that my faith in Wilson Strategic has been well-placed. We discovered this firm through an online search of firms with experience in health care policy and communications.Their representative noted that WS played a significant role in Gov. Jay Inslee’s campaign. Specifics of previous or current Wilson Strategic client services were unknown to me.

There is no issue here. Donations and expenditures are a matter of public record. I’ve disclosed Wilson Strategic’s role to the Public Disclosure Commission since I began working with them in August. I have disclosed all of my contributors and their contributions as the law requires.

Most of my campaign material expenditures were sourced locally, keeping our community’s financial investment close to home.I am very proud to have the support and the confidence of hundreds of San Juan Island residents. It shows a strong base of support by community members who value the presence of our EMS and hospital. I look forward to serving my community if elected.

Jenny Ledford

Candidate for Position 3

San Juan County Public Hospital Board