PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson Healthcare Commissioner Charles E. “Chuck” Russell, who is recovering from a car wreck in which a Bainbridge Island man was killed, has announced he intends to resume actively campaigning for re-election.
He gave no timeline for doing so.
Russell, 73, reaffirmed his commitment to the Jefferson Healthcare hospital system and to his campaign for a fourth six-year term in a Monday news release.
“During the past few weeks, the role of hospital commissioner has never been more clear to me,” the Nordland resident said in the statement.
“We must continue to make sure our community’s outstanding facilities, expanding services and compassionate, skilled providers are here to serve local residents.”
Russell, 73, was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after the Sept. 23 wreck on state Highway 104 and remained there until last Thursday, when he was transferred to Jefferson Healthcare in Port Townsend.
He is being treated in the physical rehabilitation wing for a broken left arm and several broken ribs and is listed in satisfactory condition.
The State Patrol is investigating why Russell’s 2004 Honda Pilot crossed the centerline of the highway and crashed into a Dodge Ram pickup truck.
The collision killed Robert Dawson, 88, a passenger in the pickup, and injured two others.
Brett F. Dawson, 54, of Silverdale, another passenger in the pickup, has been discharged from Harborview.
Pamela J. Thresher, 53, of Suquamish — the driver of the pickup — has been discharged from Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton.
Trooper Russ Winger, State Patrol spokesman, said Tuesday the investigation continues, with no projected date for its completion.
“The detective assigned to this case has not had an opportunity to interview Mr. Russell due to his injuries and recovery,” Winger wrote in an email.
“I do not have a time line when this will actually occur.”
Former Port Townsend Mayor Kees Kolff is challenging Russell for his hospital commission seat in the Nov. 3 general election.
Kolff suspended his campaign Sept. 24 after hearing of the accident but resumed it Sept. 27 after talking to Russell.
On Tuesday, Kolff said the issues would be the same as previously debated in the campaign and that the wreck should not affect the voting.
“The issues will still be access to affordable health care, the economics of community health and retaining providers in a way that will allow us to recruit ne providers,” he said.
“I do not feel the accident will affect how people vote; I think they will support who they feel is the most qualified and the best equipped to serve the hospital community,” Kolff said.
In his statement, Russell thanked first responders and all those involved in his treatment.
“The care I am receiving is excellent, and I am grateful for and proud of the quality of our local healthcare system,” Russell wrote.
In addition to the contest between Russell and Kolff, there is another contested election on the hospital board between incumbent Mari Dressler and challenger Paul Stafford.
A candidate forum sponsored by Port Townsend Rotary is scheduled for noon Oct. 20 at Fort Worden Commons.
Russell has not said if he will attend.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
