Editor,

Unfortunately my husband and I cannot vote for the hospital bond because we are still building a house on Whidbey and cannot claim it as our primary residence yet. So why should I care if I can’t even vote for it?

Because it will affect us and we’re ready to pay higher property taxes to support the bond even if we can’t vote for it. Living in a rural, semi-rural area you do what can to support your community, whether it be shopping at local businesses or being taxed to maintain infrastructure or education. Heck, the increase is less than what we pay for a Netflix account for one year.

When I look at the hospital issue, I hear about people spending their money in another community with another hospital and I do understand that not all services can be supplied and alternatives elsewhere are a personal choice, but having that choice is better than not having one.

Supporting the modernization of our hospital’s facility and services is not only important to the health of an individual or families, but to the health of our island community as a whole. Keeping money, jobs and services on the island is directly tied to the health of our economic ecosystem.

Attracting great medical staff is part of this equation and their future contributions, both professionally and financially, should be considered.

As a business owner, I look at the remarkable opportunity Whidbey General Hospital has to be a leader and set a good example for other rural non-profit hospitals around the nation that are facing similar challenges.

I have read arguments against the measure, and recognize there are valid concerns over how the money will be spent, but for me, many of the arguments fall short of the greater good that can happen here.

It’s also time for those of us who feel the same way but do not live here full-time, to voice their support as well. After all, our fate is directly in the hands of the good people of Whidbey as well.

Sincerely,

JEN PENNINGTON

Greenbank