PORT ANGELES — John Miles is winning big in the only contested race for Olympic Medical Center hospital district commissioner.
Miles, a retired physician, has 6,705 votes — or 69.97 percent — of the 9,583 ballots cast.
“I really do think having a physician, even a retired one, will be a good addition to the hospital commissioners board,” said Miles 79.
“I’m excited about learning about the local medical scene.”
A key challenge for OMC in the next few years will be recruiting and retaining physicians, especially if health care coverage is expanded.
“It’s going to be an interesting time,” Miles said.
Edin, 68, is a retired chief financial officer who has served on the Tigard, Ore., City Council and a hospital board in Newberg, Ore.
Edin said he was not surprised by the results.
“He’d been in the community a lot longer and he’s been very involved,” Edin said of Miles.
“I think he’s a very qualified candidate. I think we both respected one another and wish each other the best.”
Both candidates praised their opponent for a respectful campaign.
“I don’t even call him an opponent,” Miles said.
“I thought he’d make a good commissioner.”
Current OMC board members Arlene Engel, John Nutter, Jim Cammack and Jim Leskinovitch were re-elected in uncontested races.
OMC is Clallam County’s largest employer with more than 1,000 employees.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
