Editor,

I have never met Mac McDowell, nor have I ever talked with him, so I am surprised to hear him describing my actions and intentions. He is incorrect in linking me to any anti-Navy campaigns.

I support Whidbey Island Naval Air Station as a significant part of our economy and our major employer. In addition, the ongoing partnership between Whidbey General Hospital and NAS Whidbey has benefited both parties greatly. They are our biggest partner, providing more than 50 percent of our patients as well as many valued employees.

Working with Whidbey General has allowed cost-saving closures of Navy emergency facilities and surgical suites. Navy surgeons and anesthetists use our surgical suites for Navy surgeries, and they provide facility support for the hospital.

It is an important alliance and a win-win situation for all of us in the community.  Loss of our Navy partners would present Whidbey General Hospital and clinics with enormous problems and we prefer to keep our partnership intact.

NAS Whidbey isn’t just good for our community, it is specifically good for Whidbey General. As a CPA, I can do the numbers and I can assure you, I hope the Navy is here for a very long time!

Georgia Gardner,

commissioner

Public Hospital District No. 2