Pratt’s legacy should inform our actions
Our country is in the middle of a campaign frenzy. Our community has more than the usual assortment of candidates for elected office. The state elections are brimming with candidates as well. That is a great thing, there usually has been a frantic recruitment effort to find qualified candidates.
I have been overwhelmed with conversations, keeping up with the news and forever searching for the truth from candidates. I am at a loss some days due to the fact that Candace Pratt has moved to Colorado to be closer to family. Candace has been a political “informant” to our community for many years. Her contributions were many, from League of Women Voters, City Council member, City Mayor, Sister City Commission, Sequim Good Governance League and there are probably more. She always participated in recruiting good candidates for public office. She found ethical and qualified candidates, guided their running a viable campaign for office and followed up with guidance for their commitment. I miss her many contributions as well as being a friend who lived across the street.
My question to the Sequim community is, who will fill her spot? Her legacy needs to continue. We can’t fail her and her contributions she left to us. I am hoping Sequim will continue to find good candidates and encourage every citizen to register to vote and vote. That will be her legacy.
We must be informed, engaged and participate in the democratic process! Thank you Candace.
Eileen Cummings
Sequim
Vote yes on Prop. 1
Support our hospital and vote “YES” on Proposition 1: Levy Lid Lift for Health Care Services.
Olympic Medical Center (OMC) has been a “Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital” for the past nine years. In 2024, OMC was the only one in its category in the state of Washington to receive that top honor. There has been no levy lift for OMC since 2008. If approved, the new levy would generate $12,073,793 annually compared to the current $4,990,50114.
OMC was financially stable until COVID in 2019. Its revenues have increased 9%, but its expenses have increased 27% since 2019.
OMC is reimbursed at 80% rate while all other hospitals on the North Olympic Peninsula are reimbursed at 100%.
We need our hospital and now our hospital needs us to vote for Proposition #1.
Sue Erzen
Sequim
Support community, OMC in Prop. 1 vote
For our rural community, from Forks and Neah Bay all the way to Jefferson County, Olympic Medical Center (OMC) is an invaluable lifeline. Offering services like labor and delivery, procedures like colonoscopies, and emergency trauma care, OMC provides critically needed healthcare close to home.
Right now there is no need to drive to Seattle if your child suffers a serious bone fracture, or to Tacoma for gallbladder surgery. In addition, OMC also provides follow-up care and rehab if needed after a procedure.
When my spouse had a very painful health emergency last spring, we got him the care he needed just 15 minutes away at OMC emergency care. The ER waiting room was full to overflowing, a reminder of just how much our entire region depends upon it. And as a safety-net hospital OMC cannot turn anyone away, regardless of ability to pay.
Right now, rural hospitals all across the nation are under great financial stress, and our Olympic Medical Center is no different.
As a vital community service, OMC needs our community support. Primary election ballots should be in our mailboxes by July 20. Let’s keep our care local by voting yes on the Prop. 1 levy.
Lisa Dekker
Port Angeles
