I have been with the community for 12 years as a neurosurgeon and a further 12 years as a member of the Kootenai Health Board of Directors. He has two institutions that are essential to our community: Kootenai Health and North Idaho College. Both are in danger. This is due to the fact that both boards are vulnerable to takeover by malicious individuals who do not have the best interests of either institution or the community at large in mind.

The short-term answer for the NIC is to elect the most honorable and qualified person to its board. The same goes for Kootenai Health. Kootenai Health’s long-term answer is more complicated. Elected hospital boards are an anachronism today, as opposed to appointed boards. On the hospital board, an overwhelming majority is appointed. This ensures that the Board is filled with quality individuals who have the best interests of the institution at heart. There is no place for politics in the activities of institutions responsible for public health.

During my tenure on Kootenai’s board, we explored every imaginable means of enabling that board to become an appointed board. Couldn’t find a solution. A potential solution is now apparent. Kootenai Health he can become a 501c3 organization and have a more functional, dedicated and accountable hospital committee. I wholeheartedly support this move.

Ernest Fawkes

Hayden Lake