Journal staff report

The votes for the Public Hospital District #1 Hospital Commissioner position 2 primary are in: candidates Barbara Sharp and Michelle Loftus will continue to the general election in November.

“I was very happy with the results,” Sharp said, saying that her campaign was also excited about the results. “We are looking forward to proceeding to the general election and talking to voters on the island about the issues. We’ll also have a booth at the County Fair, and I hope to talk to islanders at that venue.”

Barbara Sharp had 1,425 votes, which is 65.85 percent of all ballots cast as of Aug. 7. Michelle Loftus had 610 votes, which is 28.19 percent. Daniel Miller garnered 129 votes as of Aug. 7, or 5.96 percent of the votes, eliminating him from the running.

The overall turn out for the primary election was 37 percent of voters in the county.

In a written statement, Michelle Loftus stressed the need for voters to be educated about the election to ensure that the EMS levy passes, and to understand the issues before they vote.

“I would like to thank the voters of the hospital district for my success in the primary,” Loftus wrote. “I know we are all busy this time of year but for those two thirds who did not vote I ask that you find out our hospital district needs and issues before the November general election. Passing the EMS Levy and keeping our EMS healthy are going to give us all peace of mind. As Hospital District Commissioner, I plan to keep our district money in the district and out of court.”

Sharp said to check her Facebook page “Elect Barbara Sharp to San Juan County Public Hospital District #1” for updates about her fair booth.

Loftus will also have a booth at the fair, and will keep updates on her Facebook page “Loftus for Hospital Commissioner.”