Hutchings is the candidate we need on POHD board

I recently read a letter to the editor in which the writer disparaged Spencer Hutchings, the candidate for trustee on the Pend Oreille Hospital District board.

I know Spencer as a customer of his business, Sheepdog Supplies, and I respect him for his integrity, competence, and the straightforward way he answers questions. His honesty is well known, as is his commitment to the community where he contributes and volunteers his time in a number of ways.

I also know him as treasurer of the Bonner County Republican Central Committee, where he is a conscientious, meticulous steward of its funds.

These are fine attributes in anyone, but we like to see them especially in our elected officials. The position he is running for very much needs all of them.

We’ve heard some troubling news about the Pend Oreille Hospital District board lately that point to conflict of interest and cronyism on the part of the majority of its board members. These involve our property taxes, and we count on the board to handle them according to Idaho law and in an ethical manner. The board’s actions and ties to Bonner General Health, to whom they award our property taxes, are of concern to me as a taxpayer.

I will therefore vote for Spencer Hutchings, who is well qualified because of his past work in hospital administration, and because I believe he will be a trustworthy steward of our taxes.

Please join me in voting for Spencer Hutchings on May 21.

LOUIS PERRY

Sandpoint