As I have talked to others and thought more about the reasons why we should vote yes on a future bond to build a new Willapa Harbor Hospital, I realized I was not focusing enough on my own personal motivations. Don’t get me wrong, while I’m convinced that there are many great sound reasons for the needs to build a new hospital (mold, asbestos, insufficient space, future building costs rising every year we delay, uncertainty about how long the hospital can meet standards to remain open, and many more reasons) my feelings are also less technical and more global.

A community like ours is based on many things including economics, culture, family relationships, and the offerings of local institutions. Think about the roles the school districts, fire and first responders, the local museums, churches, small businesses, etc., play in making our community a special place to live. Our local hospital and medical people are an essential feature of our community, and always have been. Even those who don’t have children understand that schools need and deserve support from levies and bonds to play their vital roles in our community.

Support a bond for a new Willapa Harbor Hospital: it’s a great investment in our community for now and years to come!

MICHAEL STURGILL

Raymond