Spencer Hutchings is a man of integrity

I’m a Bonner County taxpayer in the Pend Oreille Hospital District. Up until now I never gave much thought to what happens with the property taxes I’m paying to the district, but lately the news of what’s been going on at the board that administers those taxes is upsetting to me.

I’m paying taxes that this board hands over to a private hospital, Bonner General, which even the Idaho Attorney General says contradicts the law; our taxes are supposed to go to public hospitals.

But it gets worse: the majority of the board, six members’ names, are found on the list of Bonner General’s corporate board, where they end up spending the money. And some of them have, or have had, longstanding professional ties to the hospital.

Ready for some more bad news? This POHD board approved sending some of our funds out of county to fund a clinic in Bonners Ferry. And a couple of years ago, funds went to a clinic in Noxon, Mont. Bonner General, the recipient of your taxpayer money, is providing that funding.

It’s time for new members on the POHD board. Start by voting out the incumbent who sees nothing wrong with the conflict of interest that has existed for years.

We have an excellent alternative: Spencer Hutchings, a Sagle business owner with past professional experience in funding healthcare needs in hospitals.

I know Spencer won’t turn a blind eye to conflict of interest. He’s a man of integrity.

Vote for Spencer Hutchings on May 21.

HOLLY PARKER

Sagle