In an unusual development in a local political race, Peter Borden, the president of the Whidbey General Hospital board of commissioners, has asked Doctor Paul Zaveruha to withdraw from the hospital commissioner’s race.

In asking Zaveruha to withdraw last week, Borden cited a perceived conflict of interest, as Zaveruha, if elected, would be a hospital employee serving on the governing board.

“Please consider removing yourself as a candidate at this time in order to eliminate all possible conflicts of interest, and help us make the board transition a positive one,” states the letter signed by Borden and apparently supported by the rest of the board.

Should he be elected as a commissioner, Zaveruha could face the possibility of being terminated from his position as emergency services director at Whidbey General Hospital.

“The position is, they put my professional career in jeopardy with my running for public office,” said Zaveruha last week, adding that before filing he checked with local and state offices to see if it was appropriate to run for office.

He said he was told it was OK to run for office as long as he recuses himself from any action that affects emergency services or his medical practice.

Zaveruha said his name will remain on the ballot despite Borden’s concerns.

Zaveruha’s position as a board member would allow him to make decisions about his own contract and those of his competitors. He would also be able to make decisions that could have an economic impact on his medical practice and those of his competitors, according to Bordon’s letter.

Although the letter states no action needs to be taken until the results of the election are known, it also states, “If you are elected and choose to take office, we (the board) will be required to take action to address any potential conflicts of interest at that time. At a minimum, we would be required to terminate your medical directorship agreement. We may also be required to take action with respect to your medical staff membership and privileges.”

Borden said didn’t know exactly what kind of action against Zaveruha’s privileges would be needed. He said his letter originated out of a concern brought forth by the hospital’s legal counsel.

Zaveruha said he’s going to wait to see whether the board is serious about terminating him.

Zaveruha, who has worked for emergency services for 15 years, decided to run for the commissioner position after seeing the hospital in the red for the past five years. He is seeking the position being vacated by Borden. Borden had filed to run again, but withdrew after Zaveruha filed.

Zaveruha described the hospital’s financial difficulties as a “serious deficiency” considering that nearby Island Hospital in Anacortes is moving in a “positive direction.”

Island County Auditor Suzanne Sinclair said it’s tough to comment on the hospital commissioner situation because the conflict of interest concept is not easily defined.

John Pearson, the assistant director of elections for the Washington Secretary of State office, said conflicts of interest are normally decided on a case-by-case basis.

He said Zaveruha could run for office, but whether he loses his position as a result of being elected would be an employment issue rather than an election issue.

Should Zaveruha withdraw from the election, Amy Ayers would run for the commissioner’s position uncontested.

After Zaveruha filed for the election, the hospital board met with its lawyers during an executive session at the Aug. 11 commissioners meeting. Zaveruha received the letter last two weeks ago.