The race between Georgia Gardner and Rob Born for a seat on the Whidbey General Hospital board has arguably been the most contentious competition on this year’s election season on the island.

But there’s another, albeit calmer, race for a seat on the hospital board. Nancy Fey, who was appointed to the board, is being challenged by Erika Carnahan.

Fey is a retired pharmacist, former business owner and a volunteer in the community. Carnahan has worked in administrative roles at medical offices and at the hospital.

The two Oak Harbor residents are similar in a lot of ways. Both women are intelligent, community-minded individuals who give similar answers at community forums on such issues as hospital communication.

Yet, as an outsider, Carnahan deserves a shot at seeing if she can make a difference in how the board does business.

The current board members are unwilling to address either the hospital’s problems with its reputation or with the administration’s lack of transparency and openness with the community.

The fact is, many talented professionals work at the hospital and provide excellent health care. It would only benefit the institution if officials are honest and open about their challenges, as well as their accomplishments.

For that reason, we recommend a vote for Carnahan.