Only three volunteer for board

MANAGING EDITOR

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Only three candidates registered for the two open positions on the Roosevelt County Hospital board Wednesday for the upcoming election on Nov. 3.

“It is sometimes difficult to volunteer, because it is all volunteer work,” said hospital CEO Larry Leaming. “We greatly appreciate everyone who does step up to volunteer as a board member. I think that’s true of any non-profit is that you appreciate anyone stepping forward to help, because they (non-profits) are run on volunteers.”

There are five districts for the hospital with Lorraine Goodrich and Steven Connelly currently sitting in the district one and two seats.

Scott Reeves, owner of Wheeler Mortuary, registered to run for district one on the hospital board while Robin Inge, member services advisor for the Roosevelt County Electric Co-op, registered to run for district two.

Roosevelt County resident Gracy Stone also registered to run for the district two position on the board but said Thursday afternoon that she intends to withdraw her name from the race.

“The reason I had submitted my name is I believe the hospital board plays a vital role with the hospital, and the hospital plays a vital role in the community, and I wanted to make sure RGH continued to have a good, strong board,” Stone said. “I found out Robin Inge had registered, and I want to fully pledge my support for her, and that’s why I am withdrawing my name. I think she would make a wonderful board member.”

As of 5 p.m. Thursday, Stone had not officially withdrawn her registration, according to county clerk officials.

“I firmly believe we need a hospital here, and I want to see a good, healthy hospital,” Reeves said of why he wants to be involved with the board. “I think with my experience running the funeral home as many years as I have and working with the hospital, I think I can bring a valuable perspective.”

Inge said she believes she can contribute a unique perspective to the board, because she is not a business owner; she is just one of the “working man.”

Inge said with the co-op having helped the hospital obtain grants when it first opened, she feels she and her company have a vested interest in the hospital as well.

“I’d just like to be a part of that since we’ve worked so diligently to get the hospital here and see it come to fruition,” she said. “I feel serving on the hospital board would be a great opportunity to offer additional assistance to help RGH continue to flourish and operate in a positive manner.”

Leaming said he is very happy to see the candidates who registered to run.

“RGH exists to make a difference in people’s lives in Roosevelt County. It is owned by the people in the county,” Leaming said. “The governing board is responsible for the people who elect them to provide oversight and guidance on services offered and to assure we are meeting health care needs.

They give us direction and tell us the kind of things we need to do. They also provide oversight. They look at our financial side and the services we provide to make sure people are satisfied with it, and that we are doing a good job with it.”