I am happy to write in strong support of Warren Appleton, M.D. for S. J. Island Fire District 3. FD3 would benefit from changes in transparency, increased community access, investment in its volunteers and improved teamwork with partner agencies.
San Juan County shares in the huge national problem of the baby boomer generation having contributed to markedly increased numbers of elderly people, many of whom are vulnerable to health problems and/or homelessness. The 85-bed Friday Harbor Life Care Center, which closed in 2017, provided 24-7 health care as well as a place to land for islanders with short-term needs. With that closure, we had a complete absence of any such facility for long-term care of residents of San Juan County.