I will be the Commissioner who gets the parties to listen to each other and find common goals and methods, rather than focus on differences.  I will make sure that the needs of patients, medical providers, insurers and taxpayers are all heard and taken into consideration.   Everybody agrees that we need at least primary care, and to the extent possible urgent care, on the island.  Everybody agrees that to maintain that requires financial support.   How this gets done is where the discussion must focus and where the common ground must be found.  I will work to make that happen. 

I have dedicated my Nurse Practitioner practice to settings as diverse as the Mayo Clinic, rural Navajo and Alaska Native systems. After moving to Vashon in 2014  I practiced at the Franciscan Clinic and VCC. I understand the complexities of providing healthcare that reflects the needs of a community, and Vashon faces unique challenges.

Losing a healthcare facility can undermine the fabric of small communities as older people leave and young families question whether to stay when travel means delayed care. Now we risk losing a primary care clinic.

As a retiree and homeowner I understand and share the concern about taxes. However, I am more concerned about what will happen to this community without a primary healthcare clinic. My pledge is to listen respectfully, to be fiscally responsible and to act on behalf of all Vashon residents in seeking permanent, sustainable healthcare for our community.