Editor,

The recent letters promoting the retention of Georgia Gardner for hospital commissioner based on her certified public accountant (CPA) credential and past record of public service appear heartfelt and sincere. I don’t question any of the statements made in her favor, but I believe we need to consider some facts before rushing to re-elect her.

First, how does the CPA qualification jibe with the large ongoing hospital debt? It would seem that a CPA would be right on top of this with clarification and a solution. The hospital appears to have been run like a fiefdom under the past administration, of which Ms. Gardner was a part. Exactly what is her solution — more taxes, less services, etc.?

More recently, how involved was she in the recent $250,000 payment for the legal defense of Chief Nursing Officer Linda Gipson? While I have great respect for Ms. Gipson and believe she was unfairly treated, it seems that the hospital and its commissioners should have determined the proper action for the hospital ahead of time. It was noted elsewhere in The Record that this was never even discussed in the hospital board meetings. This is hardly a demonstration of the “transparency” issue currently being debated for the election.

My experiences with Whidbey General, although limited, have all been positive and I have great respect for their staff. By the same token, I feel that new people and new ideas which challenge the existing business procedures need to be carefully considered before reverting to the old ‘business-as-usual’ model.

MONICA SHULL

Greenbank