Letter to the editor: J. Michael Edwards

Jan. 27, 2022

The public discourse between the PHD and its EMS and Fire District #3 continues to get more personal and caustic as the pre-election rhetoric heats up to the point now that the fundamental purpose of both agencies, that of providing comprehensive and cost effective emergency medical services, is lost in the negativity. What ultimately counts is quality emergency medical services rendered by both agencies in unison and harmony under one unified command and control. The latter is by definition and State law Fire #3 not the PHD.

So how do we get there? My initial suggestions to get the ball rolling are:

The voters should take a breather for now and reconsider passing a PHD/EMS levy after the pros and cons have been fully disclosed and validated free of bias and emotionalism. This occurred some years ago when the PHD/EMS levy was not passed because the voters were doubtful of the “facts”. This should include a review of the CAG (Citizens Advisory Group) study and recommendations as well as the opinions of the current and immediate past County EMS Medical Program Physician Directors by both Fire #3 and PHD boards in a public session.

All pertinent information and opinions should be made freely available by the press to the voters absent any and all forms of censorship by the editors in the name of “misinformation”. Our voters deserve the opportunity to make their own decisions free of agenda-driven constraints and bias.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

J. Michael Edwards, MD, DDS, FACS
Friday Harbor