Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader
Wednesday, July 19, 2017 • A 5
Sam Lytle sits on his train. Photo by Katie Kowalski
A parade of their own Hospital board candidates talk issues Le ader Special Focus
G
nomes, fairies, princesses and othersstaff traveled from the Leadership, Uptown District to downtown recruitment discussed with parents and teachers on a at election forum sunny day, Friday, May 19, during Kirk theBoxleitner 82nd Rhododendron Festival kboxleitner@ptleader.com Kiddies Parade.
Princess Brooklyn Bjornstead eats a snack before the race starts. Photo by Katie Kowalski
Mike Glenn in his directorship role. “I wouldn’t hire or fire someone until I’d had feedback from staff,” said Donanberg, who stood apart from McComas and Van Hoover’s evaluations. “I’d keep him,” McComas said. “He’s doing a great job.” “I have not seen anything that would make me not want Mike Glenn to continue in his position,” Van Hoover said.
Leadership at Jefferson Ribbons were awarded to: recruitment, SPORTS Healthcare, physician abortion services and the future of 1. Connor Ryan QUEEN’S COURT FAVORITE: health care insurance were some 2. Penelope Davis of the issues Lutheran Churchthree of thecandidates for a SPLIT ON THE BOARD seat on the Jefferson County Public Redeemer Preschool Attendee Dave Woodruff folPRIVATE GRADE SCHOOL Hospital District 2 board faced lowed up on this by asking about “a during a public forum July 12 atGROUP the split in the board,” which drew nonPRESCHOOL GROUPS Tri-Area Community Center. 1. New Day Learning Academy committal responses from all three Katalena Perka of Littlefoot Preschool spreads her wings. Photo by Katie Luke Schield fights with another knight. Photo by Katie Kowalski 1. Lutheran Church of the candidates. 2. Swan School Kowalski Redeemer Preschool McComas characterized himself INTRODUCTIONS 2. Cedarbrook Learning briefly as an experienced negotiator who All threeEarly candidates PUBLIC SCHOOL GROUP Center “will ask enough questions to get to introduced themselves. 1. Grant Street Enchanted the real issues,” while Van Hoover 3. Castle Hill Preschool Bernie Donanberg has lived Salmon delineated her role as “bringing in Jefferson County for 42 years, people together” by hearing out worked boats and discovered 1. OPEPO DISNEY /on STORYBOOK disparate perspectives. he enjoyed working with kids after 2. Grant Street Enchanted Robin 1. Cinderella float – Carter “I like working in groups, and I volunteering at his son’s school.Hoods His Raney, Kennedy Raney, Leila think I’m good at it,” Van Hoover stints in counseling and psychology Pangelinan, Niko Pangelinan, 3. Grant Street Enchanted said. “I’ve been observing the impressed upon him the importance Brooklyn Bjornstead board’s meetings since December, of mental health to health care.Princesses 2. Princess – Scarlett Bruce Castle McComas has lived in Jenifer Taylor asks Jefferson County Public Hospital District 2 board candidates a question at a July 12 forum at the Tri-Area and there’s not one person that I Community Center as Bruce Cowan, seated, holds the microphone for her. More than 100 people turned out for the forum, sponsored don’t respect or that I couldn’t work Babcock, Delilah Babcock, Port Townsend for 36 years, with ORIGINAL/UNIQUE by the Jefferson County League of Women Voters. Photo by Allison Arthur Almany Babcock, Ridge Davick with. All I see are well-intentioned stints on the school board 1. and Liam Luong people.” the Jefferson County Education 3. Moana float – Rini 2. Fred with Rutherford Donanberg agreed that a split health maintenance organiza- “financial and fiscal services,” even services and billing should be “conFoundation. Blanchard-WrightHe cited his wife’s does exist are on part theofboard, preSisters Lauren (right) and Madeline McNeil New Daybut Learning tions has gained her a familiarity as she stipulated that its billing tinually improved.” six-year battle with cancer, which 3. Dakota Purser 3. Sureya Thetford ferred talk Grade in terms ofGroup his own took first place in theto Private School cat“I guess Academy, I’m the which outlier here,” ended with her death last October, with the administrative and regula- and transparency are in need of egory.who Photoasserted by Katie Kowalski improvement. said Donanberg, the politics. as giving him new insights on tory sides of health care. MISCELLANEOUS YOUTH SUPERHEROES “I’m not a member of a political McComas likewise described importance of soliciting feedback patient care. GROUPS himself as “in favor of the direc- from employees, “because if your party,” Donanberg said. “I’m pro1. Michael Cheri Babb Van Hoover described LEADERSHIP, MIKE GLENN 1. Twisters When asked to summarize the tion” of the past six years, noting job is not doable, that’s an issue.” gressive with a capital ‘P.’ I’m not herself a “Northwest girl” with a 2. PaisleyasStevens hospital’s leadership in the past that patients once had to travel to Donanberg reiterated this position that Bernie, but I’m a lot like him,” small farm in Port Hadlock and2.30 Northwest Discovery Lab 3. Kasongo Thompson years of experience as a nurse prac- six years, Van Hoover praised the Seattle for services such as oncol- when asked to evaluate the perfor- he said with a laugh. titioner and a midwife. Her work “outstanding job” it has done with ogy, but he also allowed that its mance of Jefferson Healthcare CEO See HOSPITAL, page 8▼
Chimacum School Board candidates speak out on district State funding, curriculum, possible consolidation are issues
Chimacum native who gradu- money at a problem,” ated from its high school in Shepherd said. “It has to be 2003 and to his (and onused wisely. It really wasreturned Liam Luong's birthday the day of the Our Kiddieschool paradestaff his raisewashave excellent and wife’s) he reallyhometown did think theto parade all forsome him, a relative said. ideas their children in its schools. that just require resources. Discovery House School girls walk the parade . Photo by Katie Kowalski Photo by Allison Arthur Kirk Boxleitner educator with 18 years of I’d listen to the staff for kboxleitner@ptleader.com experience, from preschool MCCLEARY DECISION direction.” David T. Chuljian DDS through 12th grade, in W h e n a s k e d w ha t “It’s a step in the right Chimacum School Board Seattle and throughout the they saw as the potential direction,” Hackman said. A family-owned business Position 5since candidates got Olympic Peninsula. 1947 impacts of the Supreme “We’ve got a lot of work to go their chance to meet and be Jack McKay touted his Court’s McCleary decision yet, but it would help not to questioned by the public July own 45 Look, years New in education, “New Stock, on Chimacum, Shepherd have to waste energy running 12 at the same forum where including stints Service” as a coach, and Hackman voiced tenta- levies. I’ve long felt relying on Same Great Mon-Fri:10-5, candidates for a seat on the a principal, a superinten- tive optimism, while McKay a levy system was ridiculous.” 10733 Rhody Drive Sat gives By Appointment Jefferson County Board dent and even a professor of staked out a more pragmatic “It local school Portmuch Hadlock, of Health spoke and were school law, of it in rural stance that would be repeated boards less autonomy,” WA 98339 1210 W. SIMS WAY IN questioned. Nebraska. in many of his expressed McKay said. “And now, high1303 Washington Street PORT TOWNSEND Wilma Hackman idenJared Shepherd (360) 385-2111is not opinions that evening. cost districts are allowed to Port Townsend • 385-3100 360.385.3443 tified herself as a former an educator, but he is a “You can’t just throw get extra money to recruit carlsbuildingsupply.com www.fb.com/chuljiandds
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staff, when they’ve never had a problem with recruitment. We’re not getting that money.” The candidates responded in a similar fashion to a question about experiential education, taking students out of the classroom to focus on the trades and applied lessons. Hackman asserted the importance of context, while Shepherd offered a balanced perspective as a supervisor of employees in the state W. Sims Way,reiterferry 2405 system. McKay Porthe Townsend ated what sees as harsh necessities. 360-385-0945 “Anyone can repeat penfloorandfurniture.com
A father carried his daughter down Lawrence answers,” Hackman said. Street for the Kiddies “They have toclearly connect with Parade. She was something.” practicing her wave for “There’s onebytrue way future parades.no Photo to gauge students’ abilities,” Allison Arthur
Shepherd said. “Our employees do need to know how to our takeCaring written for tests, but if you’veCommunity. only read books about a subject, you’re going to answer essay questions very differently.” “Our district’s reputation is based on test scores,” McKay said. “Time spent No waiting lists! away from the classroom is time spent not matching 360-385-1035 your lessons to St. theSte. tests. 1215 Lawrence 101 If See SCHOOL, page 8▼ Port Townsend, WA 98368
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A 6 • Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader
p r i ma r y e le ct i o n 20 17 Bernie Donanberg Bruce McComas
Q & A
Cheri Van Hoover
Position sought: Pos. 2 on Board of Commissioners, Jefferson County Public Hospital District 2
Position sought: Pos. 2 on Board of Commissioners, Jefferson County Public Hospital District 2
Age: 71
Age: 67
Age: 63
Occupation: Boatbuilding initially and then child therapist
Occupation: Chemical engineer, business; former general manager of Port Townsend Paper Corp.
Occupation: Health policy professor, administrator and clinician; certified midwife
Website: brucemccomas.org
Campaign contributions: Has raised $12,739 and spent $4,260 as of July 14, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission.
Website: berniedonanberg. com Campaign contributions: Not raising money
Position sought: Pos. 2 on Board of Commissioners, Jefferson County Public Hospital District 2
Website: cheriforhealth.com
Campaign contributions: Has raised $9,994 and spent $3,869 as of July 14, according to state Public Disclosure Commission.
Should Jefferson Healthcare commissioners lobby for a singlepayer health care insurance system? Explain.
Until we have truly democratic, “single payer” insurance for all, we will face the dilemma of providing care, as we must, for those who cannot pay the bill, and the many who do not seek care early on, due to their lack of resources. Our peer nations in the world have more successful healthcare than we do, at half the cost. If they can do it, we can, too. This must begin at the State level for now, and we can join the organizations currently involved in that quest in Washington State.
A small rural hospital can’t have much impact on an issue that will be decided by the state or federal government. So, while I may favor a singlepayer system or universal healthcare, I think we could better spend our time working on things that we can actually affect such as improving the quality and scope of services offered, improving patient satisfaction, reducing costs and looking for other ways to make healthcare affordable and accessible for all citizens of the District.
It is appropriate for Jefferson Healthcare commissioners to advocate for state or national policy changes that would improve healthcare access for the citizens of our county and the financial stability of the hospital district. Single-payer health insurance would do both. These advocacy efforts could take many different forms, but should not be the primary focus of the board. Addressing problems at the local level and working with available resources should always be our main priorities.
What is the one thing you would like to change about Jefferson Healthcare, if elected?
I would like to see a review of the pricing and billing practices, especially given the variation due to insurance discounts, low Medicaid payments, and the fact that an uninsured patient is charged much more for the same service. My hope would be to end the discriminatory practice.
I would like to make it easier for patients to navigate and understand the system while making it more accessible and affordable, so everyone can get the healthcare they need and be satisfied with their experience.
I would like to see improved access to primary care, with decreased waiting times. This will involve continuous improvement in efforts to recruit and retain providers. The provider mix would ideally include more nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Have you ever known someone to have a good or bad experience at Jefferson Healthcare, and has that shaped or impacted your opinion of the health care system?
My experience, personal for 42 years, professional for 20 years, and through the stories of others in the community, have been heavily favorable when it comes to the care received from the medical staff. Most of the negative experience encountered has been around costs of service, and occasionally some difficulties with referrals to outside providers.
Yes, both good and bad experiences. While Jefferson Healthcare has made a lot of progress over the last six years, there is always room for improvement. That is why I’m currently serving on three committees or work groups to help improve the system and make it easier for patients and their families to navigate the system and to improve their satisfaction with the services they receive and the interactions they have with Jefferson Healthcare doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers.
I have known many people who have received healthcare at Jefferson Healthcare, including myself and my husband. Most of these experiences have been good to excellent, but I also know about less positive experiences. Because of my background, I understand that providing healthcare is complex. Even in top national centers, not every experience will be positive. Healthcare systems have a responsibility to honestly evaluate what is working well for their patients and continually look for ways to do even better.
Dental care is currently not covered by Medicare, but is related to health care overall. Should Jefferson Healthcare pursue integrating a dental care component in its health care system? Explain.
This must be added to the “goals” for the hospital’s future. Dental infection is a serious drain on immune systems, especially among elderly patients. Including dental care in single payer plans is money wisely spent. As with Mental Health and Substance Abuse treatment, there is a benefit to co-location of services, at least for exams and hygiene services.
Dental care is very important to the overall health of a person. However, I think Jefferson Healthcare should only get involved if it makes financial sense, the existing dentists can’t provide the services, and the dentists support the District adding dental healthcare to services that it provides.
At present, many people in our county have no access to dental care because of their insurance type or because they lack the financial resources to pay out of pocket. Dental health is integral to both physical and mental health. It is entirely appropriate for our public hospital district, Jefferson Healthcare, to find ways to deliver this essential service.
Jefferson Healthcare is expecting to bring Discovery Behavioral Health (formerly Jefferson Mental Health Services) under its umbrella by the end of the year. Do you support this move? Explain.
As a former Clinical Director of that agency, I have been advocating for this change for about 20 years. In the past, it was blocked by the hospital’s written policy to stay out of that realm. So, I am happy now to see that wish realized. I am also concerned that this process be well managed. My candidacy was inspired by my desire to assist in that transition. Mental Health, Substance Abuse treatment, and Medical Services are each governed by different laws and regulations. They are paid differently as well. I am familiar with those differences and can help smooth the transitional process.
I know the district is looking at that option. I’m not sure it would be financially prudent for the district to acquire Discovery Behavioral Health (DBH). If the district decides not to acquire DBH it should continue to collaborate with them and other agencies, taking the lead where appropriate, to ensure mental health services and chemical dependency treatment needs are addressed and the goals of the Community Health Improvement Plan are met.
I do support this move. Physical health is profoundly impacted by mental health problems and addiction. Physical illness can lead to impaired mental health or addiction. An integrated team approach to care interrupts this vicious cycle, leading to greater wellness. The innovations that are already underway will help to position Jefferson Healthcare as a leader in this aspect of rural healthcare delivery.
Jefferson Healthcare has been adding more and more services, including a new clinic in Port Ludlow. Is Jefferson Healthcare taking on too many things? If not, what do you expect it to take on next?
They are, like all medical facilities across the country, waiting and watching the federal government for some signs of what the future of Medicaid will be. With steadily increasing costs for private insurance and the prospect of more uninsured patients, I expect JHC to be cautious about expanding until we hear from Congress.
Jefferson Healthcare has been adding more services to meet the needs and desires of the community, allowing patients to get their healthcare close to home, without having to leave the County. I believe the District is being prudent about what they are adding and the financial implications of these additions. The District should not add services that it cannot sustain or that would displace more critical services.
It is appropriate for Jefferson Healthcare to extend primary care services, as well as wellness programs that will help people to age in place, to the Tri-Area and South County. Before adding additional specialist services, a careful review of community needs must be performed and it must be determined that these services will be sustainable. We need to evaluate ways in which technology could be used to facilitate consultation with and referral to specialist services not available at Jefferson Healthcare.
What one qualification do you feel that you have that distinguishes you from the other candidates?
I think my background in Mental Health as a clinician and administrator, including 5 years as Quality Improvement Director at Kitsap Mental Health Services, provides me with the knowledge and training to fully grasp the challenges facing Jefferson Healthcare, and most importantly how to work collaboratively on finding solutions.
My experience; I’ve managed an operation larger than Jefferson Healthcare and understand complex financial systems. My experience serving on and leading public and non-profit boards and collaborating with diverse groups to meet the needs of the community, and my first-hand experience serving on committees at the hospital that are currently helping improve the system and satisfaction for all patients and their families, not just a select group of patients.
My breadth and depth of experience in healthcare administration, health policy, and hands-on patient care make me an ideal candidate for this position. I am the only candidate who has worked as a clinician and administrator in private hospitals, health maintenance organizations, major teaching hospitals, and nonprofit organizations. I am also the only candidate nationally recognized as a health policy educator. I have both practical and theoretical knowledge that supports my leadership in today’s healthcare environment.
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Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader
Q & A
Wednesday, July 19, 2017 • A 7
p r i ma r y e le ct i o n 20 17 Wilma Hackman Jack McKay
Jared Shepherd
Position sought: Pos. 5, Chimacum School District Board
Position sought: Pos. 5, Chimacum School District Board
Age: 79
Age: 31
Website: None
Occupation: Retired professor of educator, current executive director of Horace Mann League of USA
Occupation: Operations manager for the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility on Bainbridge Island
Campaign contributions: None
Website: mckayforschoolboard.org
Website: None
Position sought: Pos. 5 Chimacum School District Board Age: 72 Occupation: Environmental educator
Campaign contributions: Does not intend to raise funds.
Campaign contributions: Currently funding his campaign.
Have you had a chance to look over the state Legislature’s actions regarding state funding for schools related to the McCleary decision? If so, what’s your take on it? Does it bode well for Chimacum?
I am proud of the community for taking the lead in demanding that the state “fulfill its paramount duty … to make ample provision for education.” The decision is a good first step toward making it happen. We’ll see on July 17 how close the state revenue budget comes to amply meeting Chimacum’s needs. I expect that we may need to redirect the effort formerly focused on dealing with the inefficient levy system toward achieving full funding.
It is too early to tell if the legislation helped the Chimacum School District. I would be cautious, before there is a better understanding of the longterm implications of the state funding. There are questions about the local board’s ability to allocate funds that meet the unique needs of the district, e.g., staffing, bussing, maintenance of facilities. Whenever there is an increase in state funding, there is a corresponding increase in state control of how the funds can be spent.
I found the McCleary decision somewhat confusing and look forward to hearing the specific financial details that result from it before I decide whether I believe it bodes well for Chimacum or not.
Low test scores in the district, compared to the state, have been brought up as concerns at public meetings. What are your strategies to address that issue?
I believe most of the controversy over testing is caused by misunderstanding the purpose of different types of tests and what the scores mean. Curriculum-based tests are essential for teachers to evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching and their individual students’ needs for additional help or enrichment. Standardized tests to rank-order schools used to allocate funds to the neediest may be an incentive to work harder for excellence, but are problematic for assessing performance of individual schools or students.
There is no simplistic remedy for low test scores. To improve test scores, (a) the curriculum must match the testing items, (b) the students need sufficient practice in testing, (c) the curriculum must be structured to place emphasis and time on what is on the test, and, (d) there must be the resource, like staffing to help the students in the identified areas of weakness. Student need to be at school every single day and that is the parent’s responsibility.
I plan to support the staff recommendations for improvement of curriculum and ultimately test scores. I trust our staff and feel that they are the only ones with the appropriate and direct knowledge of what is required to improve our test scores. I also believe that greater community engagement and accountability of student attendance will help improve our test scores. A student cannot learn if they are not at school.
Along with low test scores, discipline issues have surfaced as concerns of parents in the district. What are your strategies to address that issue?
To reduce discipline problems, the schools must reach students who aren’t engaged in the educational process. Factors outside school: family crisis, illness, or unstable living situation can cause distraction or absence resulting in missed instruction. Students who feel lost and unable to participate in a lesson may choose to be noticed in the group by misbehaving. Removing them from class increases their alienation and creates a vicious circle. Solutions must focus on integrating them into the classroom community.
No student should be allowed to disrupt the learning activities of the class. The disruptive student must be removed. But, usually, there are early warnings about unacceptable behavior. Yes, there are exceptions, but seldom is a suspension from a classroom or school done before other alternatives have been tried.
The school board sets and modifies policy that directly correlates to disciplinary issues. I plan to listen and support discipline and accountability in our school district and its students, but also believe that the students have a right to an education. We must consider the fact that removing a student from the classroom can have lasting, negative effects on that student, and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
What is the one thing you would like to change about the Chimacum School District, if elected?
We need increased effort to reach disengaged students and break the cycle of absence, alienation, acting out, suspension, truancy and eventually dropping out. I envision a system of paraprofessionals and volunteers working with teachers and counselors to assure that whenever students are out of class they have support keeping up with lessons, and that their families get referrals to other agencies to address nonacademic issues that interfere with learning. Increased hours for the homeless outreach program is a great start.
The Chimacum Schools are very well organized and well managed in the areas of instruction, finance, transportation, and support services. Until being a school board member for a period of time, I would not be suggesting any changes. Operating a school system is a complex task. A school district like Chimacum has a history of operating each day effectively. Suggesting any changes in the school district has implications beyond the students and teachers. Changes impact the family and the community.
I would like to change the perception of the quality of Chimacum Schools. We have excellent faculty and administration and I would like our community to become more engaged and see what a great job the staff is doing.
The Chimacum School District failed to pass a $29.1 million school improvement bond in April 2016 by a narrow margin. Why do you think the bond failed and do you think it, or something similar, should be put on the ballot again?
Many people support schools strongly and want the best for our children. Some think bare bones is good enough; their priority is keeping taxes down. The “narrow margin” in between are the budget minded, careful shoppers who want to be sure they really need something before buying it. I think more input is needed to identify the items on the District’s infrastructure list that they will buy. Putting a little more into research beforehand could eliminate expensive repeated elections.
There are a number of reasons for the lack of the 60% approval, but for the 40% who did vote no, I would suggest reasons might be (a) an unclear need for new or more buildings, (b) myths and rumors about the school, students, and staff, (c) a reluctance to pay any taxes, and (d) a general dissatisfaction with any type of social service provided by a government agency.
I believe the school bond failed because of a lack of communication. The failure was a small margin and I believe if there had been better communication with the voters to convince them of the need for the bond, it may have succeeded. Further communications with the voters may have also allowed for a bond proposal that the community at large would have found to be more acceptable.
At a recent citizen forum, there was a suggestion to surplus some buildings. Do you have any thoughts on that?
I need to evaluate that issue in light of the expansion of Chimacum Creek School, rather than my familiarity with the current buildings. If projections continue to limit growth in student population, I would consider sale or lease of space FOR COMPATIBLE USE.
Yes, with a stable or declining enrollment, there may be a need to consolidate schools, but knowing what to do with the current school buildings needs to be studied and alternatives discussed. The school buildings are the property of the citizens. It is an investment and valuable property that must be maintained.
Due to the lack of specific details about what might go to surplus, I cannot support or oppose the suggestion. I would be willing to engage in a study and community discussion to determine the merits of a suggestion like that. The school’s property is the community’s property and our voters have the right to weigh in on a decision like that.
Rank which issues would be most important if elected: improving test scores, improving technology, reducing class sizes, discipline issues, vocational classes, passing a bond to improve infrastructure, parent involvement, teacher satisfaction, other.
1) Other: Learning environment focused on not merely providing information, but teaching students how to evaluate information critically; 2) Vocational classes; 3) Parent involvement; 4) Discipline issues; 5) Teacher satisfaction; 6) Reducing class sizes; 7) Improving test scores; 8) Passing a bond to improve infrastructure; 9) Improving technology
1) Clearing up the myths and rumors about the schools; 2) Parental involvement – to reduce absenteeism; 3) Community volunteers in the classroom – engagement; 4) Improving test scores – a long-term project; 5) Improving technology – investing and upgrading; 6) Teacher satisfaction – a real challenge across our nation; 7) Vocational classes – being adaptable to the future needs; 8) Passing a bond – to improve infrastructure; 9) Discipline issues – yes, there are exceptions; 10). Reducing class sizes – fairly well one already
1) Parent and community involvement; 2) Vocational classes 3) Improving test scores (written and practical)
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A 8 • Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader
p r i ma r y e le ct i o n 20 17
Hospital: Single-payer system topic of concern ▼Continued from page 5
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE When asked what skills the candidates bring to bear, McComas recalled not only his wife’s struggles with cancer, but also his own experiences as a former business manager currently working with patient advocate groups at the hospital. “I am the only candidate, and would be the only one on the board, with a financial background,” McComas said. Donanberg described his own background in mental health systems as similarly unmatched, with stints in Skagit, Kitsap and Jefferson counties that culminated in his serving as director of the local mental health clinic that has become Discovery Behavioral Health. Van Hoover listed her various roles in crisis intervention, running her own business and three decades as a health care provider, including at the Sequim branch of Planned Parenthood before it closed. This led to a question about the
relatively high rate of abortions in practitioners we get, the more it Jefferson County, compared to the takes a load off the ones who are rest of the state. already here,” McComas said. “Everyone can spend more time with ABORTION, PRO-CHOICE their patients. The doctors in Seattle Van Hoover touted her candi- didn’t call me after my wife’s treatdacy’s endorsement by Planned ments. The doctors here do.” Parenthood Votes, but even as she affirmed her pro-choice stance, she PHYSICIAN RECRUITMENT expressed concerns with the county’s Van Hoover recommended abortion rate, wondering why more recruiting personnel who have been women don’t accessed birth control realistically apprised of the difor contraception prior to getting ferences between living in a rural abortions. county versus a big city, while Donanberg and McComas share Donanberg encouraged selling the Van Hoover’s support for abortion merits of the local area as “a place of services in Jefferson County, with incredible natural beauty where you McComas pointing out that Jefferson would want your kids to grow up.” Healthcare provides such services, When attendee Shirley Williams and has a new women’s health clinic, asked how Jefferson Healthcare although he acknowledged that would approach geriatric care, given Jefferson Healthcare could focus the increasingly advanced average more on hiring and retention. age of county residents, Van Hoover A later question picked up the recommended not just more health thread of how Jefferson Healthcare care providers and specialists, but could attract more doctors, and also the expansion of wellness proMcComas suggested that growth in grams into the southern end of the qualified medical staff could serve to county, and improved palliative care bolster itself. beyond the bounds of hospice. “The more doctors and nurse McComas advocated a focus on
all the areas of health care that are especially important to older patients, from cardiovascular medicine to oncology, with Donanberg likewise calling for the medical staff and services to more closely match the population and its needs. MEDICAL DEBT Attendee Jenifer Taylor objected to what she sees as the onerous level of medical debt that American patients deal with. While Van Hoover reiterated the need for process transparency and voiced the hope that the Affordable Care Act would not be repealed, McComas acknowledged that he currently works in the area of patient billing and aims to increase “quality charity care,” as well as to reduce health care costs to patients. SINGLE-PAYER SYSTEM Donanberg again advocated a more strident stance and became the first of the candidates that evening to declare support for single-payer health care, since “other
countries spend less and get more” from what he diagnosed as less complex health care systems. Former surgical nurse Trish Walleck attested to the “horrible results” of patients receiving care too late, because “they’re either not insured or they’re underinsured,” and she asked all the candidates to clarify where they stood on a single-payer health care system. McComas and Van Hoover agreed that “health care is a right, not a privilege,” but while Van Hoover said she supports singlepayer health care “100 percent,” McComas clarified his stance that “single-payer is one way of delivering health care, and if it works, I’m for that, but there are enough intelligent people in this community and this country that I’d be willing to bet we could come up with something better.” Donanberg concluded the candidates’ remarks by describing single- payer health care as “the great leveler, and that’s why it’s so hard to get.”
School: Bond failure, Cispus future raised at forum ▼Continued from page 5
we’re accepting federal funds, which we must do, that’s how it has to be, but I think these tests are a way to make money off our kids.” CONSOLIDATION When an audience member suggested consolidating Chimacum and its neighboring school districts, Shepherd and Hackman suggested they could be open to the idea, albeit not without reservations, while McKay was staunchly opposed. “I don’t think it’s a decision you can make halfheartedly,” Shepherd said. “There are logistics involved in evaluating and managing our assets, as well as the costs in moving students from one location to another. I’d absolutely support a study of the issue.” McKay recalled the impacts of consolidating a number of rural Nebraska school districts, summing them up thusly: “The administrative costs were miniscule, and the transportation costs were significant, but it killed the communities, because the community is the school, and the school is the heart of the community.” “I don’t think our schools are as far apart as in rural Nebraska,” said Hackman, who ventured that consolidation “could make sense” on the high school level, but warned against subjecting younger students to extended bus rides. “It’s not a school board decision, but a community one. They didn’t support
schools have to help students express what’s within themselves, who they are and what their ideals are.” “Studies have shown that musical ability is tied to mathematical ability,” McKay said. “It’ll help raise students’ test scores, but it will also enhance and enrich their lives.” Shepherd echoed Hackman’s concern with giving students a wide variety of outlets for self-expression. “I’ve seen welders make dinosaurs out of pieces of metal,” Shepherd said. “If you look at an elaborately written piece of computer Chimacum School Board candidates, from left, Wilma Hackman, Jack McKay and Jared Shepherd took turns answering questions at a forum July code, that’s a work of art in its own way. When you 12 at the Tri-Area Community Center. Photo by Allison Arthur breed creativity, you breed innovation.” When attendee Dave place is important in devel- at keeping its students physiit before, and I don’t see it cally active and engaged. Woodruff asked about oping a sense of self.” happening now.” UNIQUE TRAITS “I’m a bit more concerned whether Chimacum was In the end, each candidate still sending students to the FITNESS, WELLNESS with their nutrition and was asked what unique traits BOND FAILURE, CISPUS Jennifer James-Wilson, a the content of their food,” they brought to the table. When asked why the pro- Cispus and Chewelah Peak posed bond measure failed learning centers, all three member of the Port Townsend Shepherd said. Hackman cited her Hackman agreed with analytical nature and willat the ballot, Hackman candidates waxed nostalgic, School Board, asked the suspected that too many albeit from different points candidates how they would the need to maintain a ingness to hear all sides of approach the issues of well- certain level of physical a debate before making a arguably “nonessential” of view. “I shot a bow and arrow ness and fitness. activity, but she’d prefer to decision. items were included on the “I married a home eco- see less emphasis on sports menu, while McKay and there for the first time,” McKay reminded the Shepherd both noted how Shepherd said. “It was one of nomics teacher,” McKay or competitive exercises, and audience of his experience my fondest memories.” said, laughing. “I think it’s more on pursuits such as in rural school districts and close the vote was. “I was a counselor at a key part of the curriculum. dance and hiking, which she promised to ask plenty of “Fifty-nine percent did vote yes,” McKay said. “You Cispus,” McKay said. “We But again, the price of losing believes students are more questions, “because teachneed to have something for had student body officers local control is less time for likely to incorporate into ing is relearning,” even as he everyone, from elementary come up there. I think I had recess, PE, arts and drama. healthy lifestyles as adults. warned, “I do have opinions.” This led into a question through high school. Maybe, an even better time than It’s a battle to balance the And Shepherd pointed about what role the candi- out that he’s a millennial instead of more facilities, we they did, and I thank you for curriculum.” Shepherd, a former dates see the arts playing in who’s currently employed can focus on repairing what reminding me of it.” “I had teacher train- Marine, sees a healthy body education. we have.” in a workforce “that’s tran“We’re not all going to be sitioning from trade-based “We were so close,” ing there,” Hackman said. as a complement to a healthy Shepherd said. “We wouldn’t “I would definitely support mind, but from what he’s seen skilled as painters or musi- to data-driven,” with one have needed many more to taking students there, or of the Chimacum schools’ cians,” Hackman said. “But son already enrolled in the pass it. We need to do a better to places like the Marine recess breaks, he believes the the arts are another means Chimacum schools and Science Center. A sense of district is already doing well of communication, and our another not far behind. job of convincing voters.”
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Only 2 candidates raise funds in primary Van Hoover raises more, spends more Allison Arthur aarthur@ptleader.com Jefferson County Hospital District 2 board candidates Cheri Van Hoover and Bruce McComas are the only two candidates in the Aug. 1 primary who have collected campaign contributions, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission (PDC). Bernie Donanberg, also on the ballot with Van Hoover and McComas for the seat vacated by Commissioner Tony DeLeo on the hospital board, indicated on his PDC form that he was opting for mini reporting. Candidates who opt for mini reporting pledge to raise and spend no more than $5,000 and not to accept any more than $500 from any one contributor. As a result, they do not have to report their campaign contributions to the PDC, although they do have to keep records. Van Hoover and McComas opted for full reporting and were required to provide information to the PDC about how much they have raised. None of the candidates for Chimacum School Board had raised any funds, according to the PDC. As of Friday, July 14, Van Hoover was ahead of McComas in contributions, having raised $12,739 and spent $4,260.79, according to the PDC. McComas had raised $9,994.32 and spent $3,869.80. The top two primary voter-getters for the commission seat
in the Aug. 1 primary advance to the countywide general Giles Mougel-Fujita, Jeannete Mougel-Fujita, Francis election Nov. 7. Natal, Marlene Newman, Lillie Rizack, Denise Rose, Kathy (Note: Campaign contributions are listed by how much Ryan, Elaine Shore, Peter Von Christianson the person donated. If the name appears twice, the person $30: Jack Slowriver contributed that amount twice. Names are spelled as given to the PDC.) BRUCE MCCOMAS $400: David Gooding CHERI VAN HOOVER $300: Jeinell Harper $1,000: Zoe Van Hoover $200: Shary Irwin $500: Robert Day $150: Cameron McPherson, Roger $250: Deborah Groenig, Linda McPherson, George Pool, Janetta Pool Martin, Stanford Silver $125: Berry Shoen, Sam Shoen $200: Jacque McInvale, Carol $100: Jean Camfield, Tom Scjre Camfield, Kathy Constantine, Colby Fox, Michael Gilman, Gregg Knowles, $150: Kathy Liu $125: Al Bergstein, Megan Carol McGough, Dana Michelsen, Steve Scharf, Duke Bergstein, Cathy Carrol, Mike Carrol, Shold, Jeanne Shold, Renate Wheeler George Yount $75: Brian Vervynck, Jenny Vervynck $100: Judith Aboud, Louis Agre, Phyllis Becker, Roy $65: Kathy Nelson Brannam, Frank Chopp, Kenneth Collins, Denis Cosner, $50: Ann Bambrick, Dominica Cranor, Jeanne Dirksen, Sally Crouse, Amanda Finch, Connie Gallant, Kathryn Victor Dirksen, Judy Dreschler, David Grauberger, Vicky Jessup, Cornelis Kolff, Nancy Lawton, Roland Lie, Susan Grauberger, Leroy Hornbeck, Willean Hornbeck, Jock Marett, Virginia Moynihan, Elizabeth Parr, Leslie Payton, Patton, Sonchen Patton, Anne Schneider, Dick Schneider, Sonja Schoenleber, Diane Solvik, Debbi Steele, Shari Jackie Schubert, Michael Schubert, Duke Shold, Jeanne Stroup, Erik Thrasher, William Yoakam Shold, Mary Ann Verneuil, Vincent Verneuil $75: Bonnie Greenley $35.50: Earll Murman, Rena Murman $50: Judith Bishop, Heather Bradford, Zelda Collett$35: Kathy Nelson Paule, Sharon Derstine, Carole Franklin, Donald Manning, $25: Barry Birch, Linda Birch
County clerk named ‘Clerk of the Year’ for second year Gordon credits deputy clerks with enabling success Kirk Boxleitner kboxleitner@ptleader.com Ruth Gordon has served as the Jefferson County clerk since 2005, and after winning her first “Clerk of the Year” award from the Washington State Association of County Clerks in 2008, Gordon recently tied with Spokane County Clerk Tim Fitzgerald to win the “Clerk of the Year” title again for 2017. “When I first won, I feel like it was more aspirational, to encourage me to keep contributing,” said
Gordon, who spoke highly of Fitzgerald. “This time, I think it was based more on my achievements.” The stated goal of the clerk’s office is to protect the integrity and accuracy of the court records of Jefferson County Superior Court, while serving the public and legal community in a courteous, professional and efficient manner. Gordon credits her win this year to her work in improving the county’s case management systems in time for a November rollout of a new set of systems; she and her staff have labored to ensure that “sufficient financial audit features” were included. “A lot of folks have fought for these features, and it’s
through no fault of their own that they weren’t able to get it, but we were able to negotiate that capability,” said Gordon, who ascribed this concession to the culmination of her efforts since 2013. “As an elected clerk, I had more Jefferson leeway to do County Clerk so.” Ruth Gordon Gordon and Fitzpatrick received their shared title during the Washington State Association of County Clerks’ summer conference in Winthrop this year. “This prestigious award is
presented to an association member for her representation, service, training and willingness to assist ‘beyond the call of duty,’ having made significant contributions to improving the service of the association,” said Tristen Worthen, director of communications for the association. Worthen credited Gordon with volunteering for multiple committees, being part of the association’s executive board, attending meetings and representing the association. “To be honored by one’s peers, people who know the demands of the job, is really meaningful,” Gordon said.
“A lot of folks have fought for [sufficient financial audit features], and it’s through no fault of their own that they weren’t able to get it, but we were able to negotiate that capability.”
SUPPORT OF DEPUTIES Gordon hastened to add that the support of her deputy
clerks in the clerk’s office made her success possible. “I have been blessed with a
Ruth Gordon Jefferson County clerk
team of deputy clerks who are diligent, knowledgeable and able to leap tall buildings with a single bound,” Gordon said. “The trophy with my name on it is a direct reflection of their work.” Gordon believes there are few individual accomplishments in public service, and even went so far as to say that “everything I’ve done in my years as county clerk” has been part of a team effort. “I’d like to take this opportunity to let the public know that local governments function because of countless unsung public employees who consistently do their best to administer the laws and rules that define their duties,” Gordon said. “‘Nothing works without clerks’ is our motto.”
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