Willapa Harbor Hospital proposal is more like an F150 pickup

I read with interest the statement “against” Proposition #1, Bonds for New Health Care Facilities in North Pacific County. “We don’t need a nice expensive sports car; we need a Ford F150.”

Being curious, I researched the cost of a Ford F150. The base model starts at around $42,000. A mid-Range starts around $58,000. The Higher-End can range from $63,000 to over $80,000, depending on features and options.

Assuming the authors meant the base model, without frills, an auto loan for $42,000 with an interest rate of 6.63%, a term of 60 months (5 years) the monthly payment would be $824. At my credit union, with excellent credit, interest rate of 6.39% and a loan for 84 months (7 years), I would pay $500 per month.

The average property value in North Pacific County is about $350,000. The proposed healthcare facility bond payment, using 2025 property valuations, would cost the average property owner $38 per month. Over the course of 30 years, the bond cost for this average property owner would be $13,650.

The Hospital Commissioners rejected the “sports car” model first proposed. The current proposal is for the Ford F150. Adequate for the current services, meeting all licensure requirements, and an ability to grow and change as our community grows and changes.

As our parents and grandparents did for us, please vote to approve Proposition #1 to build a new healthcare facility for North Pacific County that will serve us and our families for generations.

SHERRI MCDONALD, RN, MPA
Raymond

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Beautiful peninsula stands up for values

This peninsula is so beautiful.
On April 5, the sun was bright, the kites were stunning over the beach, and more than 300 people gathered to proclaim support for people’s rights, government services, veterans, libraries, education, and healthcare. There were full-time residents, part-timers and visitors joining in the rally and march. Most bystanders were enthusiastic with honks and waves, including people from Canada saying, “We’re with you!”
Thank you to the organizers, wonderful musician, and participants. Anyone who missed it, please join in next time to support what matters most to you!
JEANINE TWEEDIE
Long Beach

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Get set to respond to Social Security disruptions

Lenders and loan servicers offer a service by which you can defer up to two monthly payments if you are under a financial hardship. If DOGE is successful in stopping Social Security payments, this would definitely qualify as a financial hardship. The payments are tacked onto the back of the payment schedule.
Now, this is important, when you call the financial institution — demand to speak to a manager. Managers are very well versed on what is company policy, what is legal, and your rights.
Just imagine the chaos that would inundate lenders and loan services if hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Social Security recipients need to use such a service.
How about we turn the tables on Musk and create a problem for him to consider that he may not want to face. Stopping Social Security payments opens a Pandora’s box the current administration may not want. The financial wreckage would go far beyond just home and car loans.
KAREN DELESSERT
Ocean Park

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Pacific County knows best: Approve Proposition No. 1

Healthcare access is fundamental to achieving equity in all forms, yet it continues to be underprioritized. As the policy and advocacy director of Inatai Foundation, I know the Foundation is deeply engaged in campaigning for policies that directly impact the lives of Washingtonians. Proposition No. 1 presents a pivotal opportunity for Pacific County residents to shape the future of healthcare in their communities and help reduce some of the health disparities that persist in this part of the state. This measure is about local decision-making, self-determination, and ensuring that healthcare access isn’t dictated by geography or outside interests.
The current healthcare infrastructure in Pacific County, burdened by decades of underinvestment, has deepened racial and economic disparities for communities of color and low-income families. The consequences of inadequate healthcare access extend beyond individual health outcomes — they affect families, workplaces, and the broader economic stability of the region. Proposition No. 1 provides a viable, community-driven solution to begin addressing these disparities by ensuring that essential medical services are available and accessible to all residents.
At its core, this measure represents an investment in people. By authorizing the construction and expansion of local healthcare facilities, Proposition No. 1 will increase capacity, improve service delivery, and enhance the quality of care available to all residents. Strengthening local healthcare infrastructure is not merely a short-term fix, it’s a necessary step to safeguard the well-being of future generations.
Proposition No. 1 gives Pacific County residents an opportunity to exercise community power and create lasting change. It’s an investment in healthcare services that many families count on now — and will continue to need in the future. Approving this measure would ensure that critical medical services are available close to home, reduce the burden of long travel for care, and improve the infrastructure that supports the health and well-being of the entire community.
This is a defining moment for Pacific County. Vote to APPROVE Proposition No. 1.
NICK ALLEN
Policy & Advocacy Director, Inatai Foundation

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Set the stage for a future of quality healthcare

My family came to the North Pacific County area 125 years ago. Since that time several of my relatives have been part of delivering healthcare to residents and visitors in this area. My grandfather, a trained physician, delivered over 3,000 babies. He cared for many people, including relatives, friends, and neighbors.
I have been fortunate to continue this tradition by training as an optometrist and practicing in Raymond for nearly 50 years. My passion for excellence in healthcare led me to run for the office of commissioner on the Board of Public Hospital District #2, Willapa Harbor Hospital. The care that is delivered at this facility — including inpatient, outpatient, laboratory, radiology, emergency, and all aspects of support for these services — is excellent.
A new facility will allow our outstanding staff to continue delivering great healthcare in an environment built to current standards. The plan before the voters on the April 22 ballot has been more than four years in the making.
Our predecessors supported the building of our current facility over 70 years ago. I urge you to support Proposition 1 for a new healthcare facility that will serve our area for generations to come.
DR. JEFFREY S. NEVITT
Raymond

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Appreciation for SHOA Chili Cook-off

The Ocean Park Food Bank would like to thank the Surfside Homeowners Association for supporting us through the recent Chili Cook-off at the Oysterville Schoolhouse. We received $704 in cash donations and 75 pounds of food items. This has become an annual event and we are very grateful.
MICHAEL GOLDBERG
President

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Praise and thanks for Deputy Smith

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to Deputy Smith for his exceptional service on Feb. 26 at our house in Ocean Park. A relative of mine was experiencing a mental health crisis and we needed help removing him safely from the house. Deputy Smith was quick to respond, had a very calm demeanor, was helpful, made sure our house and everyone involved was safe, and was EXTREMELY patient. Thank you for your kindness and dedication to our community Deputy Smith! My family can’t thank you enough.
ELIZABETH JEFFERS
Ocean Park