Self-admitted “not the brightest light bulb in the box” Mike Buettell’s letter on May 20th casts the upcoming hospital district commission election ideologically, (“Stick to the point: seven candidates, six questions,” pg. 6).

Hopefully voters will remain aware that Peace Health and the commission signed an agreement and that newly elected commissioners’ duties include zealously guarding and abiding by this agreement. This agreement accommodates these long-established and well known Catholic principles concerning abortion, birth control and sanctity of life.

It is worth observing that Mr. Buettell and similar dim lights never-endingly tire of trying to impose their views on others. Peace Health and the Catholic Church “imposed” nothing beyond their long established principles… and did so in an agreement that voters have already found to be acceptable.

In response to Mr. Buettell’s questions: I am satisfied that Catholic Bishops have no role in health care decisions beyond the agreement, and in particular matters concerning end-of-life care, women’s-health and maternity.

As to the other questions, oversight on behalf of taxpayers interests, full tax-disbursement disclosure and the quality of health care are the responsibility of the commissioners; and is best ensured by not electing any that want to change the agreement.

Albert B. Hall/Friday Harbor