Editor,

Allow me to be the 105th person to weigh in on that controversial hospital board position that has dominated these pages in recent days.

One thing is clear, it’s not just another rural hospital we’re collectively arguing about. It’s our hospital. Staffed with your neighbors, paid for with your taxes and admitting our friends and even ourselves. In many cases it’s our lifeline.

We have two very different people vying for a seat on the board. Georgia Gardner, the incumbent is a former state senator and licensed certified public accountant who’s shown a consistent commitment toward running and improving Whidbey General. She wants to complete the ambitious improvements they’ve embarked upon, most notably that $50 million expansion that is about half done. She’s an articulate and tireless team player.

Bob Born has spent an impressive four years dogging every move and controversy associated with that hospital like a trial lawyer, which he is. He’s revealed shortcomings in their public outreach (i.e. marketing) and less than stellar relationship with the local media. Born wants to see heads roll, with an uncertain outcome.

In response to that classic bottom line question, “Why are you running?” at a recent candidates’ forum, Gardner reeled off a list of goals and improvements she’s been consistently working on. Born replied he wants to prove to the hospital administration, which he had unanimously alienated, that, try as they might they can’t intimidate or stop him. A strange reply.

This is our hospital, which just happens to be one of the best rural ones in the state. It epitomizes a community supporting its people and has made rather impressive achievements over a number of decades despite the shortcomings in our national healthcare system. I’m going with the positive and proven improver at this critical juncture, Georgia Gardner. I do admire Born’s tenacity, which might have been more suitable for previous hospital administrations, and hope he can transition toward a more productive role, to benefit our hospital.

Hope you join me in voting for Georgia Gardner.

DEAN ENELL

South Whidbey