SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD: Hospital candidates talk staff retention, compensation

Whidbey Health board member Kurt Blankenship is facing off against James Golder for the Board’s position #2. Former Idaho state rep. Golder talked about addressing underpaid hospital workers and overpaid administrative staff. Golder said “increasing staff wages would boost their currently low morale and help restore islanders’ trust in the hospital district.”

Blankenship’s top priority is to recruit and retain staff, to include cafeteria and maintenance personnel. Both candidates support the proposed levy which they said is key to providing high wages and thus attracting workers that they say are currently in short supply across the nation.

For more information concerning the positions and proposals of each, see the story by Karina Andrew.

On the ballot on November 2 – Whidbey Health Board of Commissioners:

• Position 2 – Incumbent Kurt Blankenship vs James Golder