In Their Own Words: Hospital Commissioner Candidate David S. Peterson

What is your full, legal name?

David Stewart Peterson

Where do you work and what is your job title?

Retired from 35 years with Snohomish Health District, most recently as Director of Communicable Disease Control Programs and Regional Public Health Emergency Preparedness.

When and where were you born?

Seattle, May 10, 1948

Where do you live now and how long have you lived there?

A 38-year resident of Edmonds

Spouse or domestic partner if any:

Married to Kristen for 37 years.

Children:

Kate and Alex

Education (include graduation date(s), if any):

BS, Environmental Health, University of Washington 1973

MBA, City University of Seattle, 1983

MPA, City University of Seattle, 1985

Military Service (include year(s) of discharge, if any):

US Navy, Naval Security Group, 1968-1974

Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations:

Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians

National Environmental Health Association Registered Sanitarian

American Academy of Sanitarians, Diplomate

Have you or a business you owned (or had principal interest in) ever filed bankruptcy?

No

As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation?

No

CAMPAIGN INFORMATION:

Web site: None
Email address: Peterson-Dave@Comcast.net
Phone number:  425-582-3656
Campaign manager:  Myself
Campaign manager contact information: Same as above

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE (S):

Elected (includes years of service):  No

Other campaigns for public office:  No

THIS CAMPAIGN:

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?  

The Hospital District Commissioners have a new emphasis on protecting the health of the citizens in our community.  They are extending their resources to encompass health education, disease prevention, access to health care and promotion of healthy initiatives.  The Commission will be meeting many challenges in the delivery of services to our community and I can help them by sharing my experiences developing successful initiatives and meeting the challenges presented in the delivery of health care services. 

What will be your top three priorities if you get elected and why?

1.  Become a constructive and cooperative member of the 5 person Commission. I will be an active and respectful listener in the discussions with the other Commissioners and District Staff, and offer my input and support for their decisions. 

It is essential that a governing body be a strong team and unified in their will to support the agreed goals of the organization.

2.  Encourage and support health initiatives consistent with the Mission of the Commission and that will target the segments of our community identified with the greatest health needs.  Securing access to health care for the underserved, including mental health, dental health and primary health care.  Support education about healthy behaviors to help prevent communicable and chronic disease.

Health issues affect various segments of our population in different ways.  Individuals often are unaware of where to obtain help or lack resources to obtain them.  Linking the need and demand for health care with able providers, and assisting those unable to do that for themselves is a compassionate way for our public resources to be shared within our community.

3. Asserting close scrutiny on the overall budget and accounting process, insuring that public funds are used in the most beneficial manner, and maintaining a balance of the investments into community health projects that are aligned with the Hospital Commission’s Strategic Plan.  Evaluate the measurements of program service delivery against the expected health outcomes, and support adjustments as needed.

A principle duty of an elected Commissioner is to maintain close overwatch of the operating budget, revenues and expenditures.  These are public funds and it is the obligation of the Commission to see that they are used to benefit the community, and are carefully managed and controlled.

What sets you apart from the other candidates and/or previous office holders?

Perhaps the single most unique quality is my 35 years of experience preparing budgets, managing health programs, and being closely associated with the health issues of this community and the region while working at the Snohomish Health District.  Those population-based programs dealt with serious illness and disease issues, both communicable and chronic, affecting some of the most vulnerable members of our community.  I am very familiar with balancing the expectations for program success and measurement of outcomes within a target population, and the sometimes-difficult service delivery issues.

How much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election?

Approximately $700 for yard signs is the only expenditure actual or planned.

Official endorsements:

None solicited