I would like to encourage all of my Whidbey Island neighbors to vote yes in the upcoming referendum on the Whidbey General Hospital bond. We need this new addition to the hospital to attract and retain quality staff and physicians. If I call 911, I will go to WGH, and I am very concerned that if I or one of my loved ones gets sick, that we have a technologically up-to-date, well staffed, private room.

Many of my friends are retired, and I want them to have the best in health care here where they live, not in some far flung place where they will be cared for by strangers.

The cost to me as a property tax payer on an annual basis for this upgrade will be between $50 and $60 annually based on the value of my house, which is in the median for the Island. This is about what I pay for a tank of gas, just to put it in perspective. I am sure that my property value will be enhanced by at least that much, having a modern hospital facility close at hand. So it is a very smart investment for me as well.

Thank you for allowing me to express my opinion.

Ken McKinney
Coupeville