Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

The Kern Valley Healthcare District Candidates Forum on Oct. 27 drew a crowd of more than 100 valley residents despite competition from Monday Night Football and game 5 of the World Series. The public event, held at the Senior Center in Lake Isabella, was co-sponsored by the Kern Valley Healthcare District Hospital Foundation, the Kern Valley Sun and the Lake Isabella/Bodfish Property Owners Association, moderated by Carol Rutledge of the association.

Most of the audience's concerns focused on issues such as administrative and financial difficulties facing the district; the history of contentious relationships and personality conflicts among board members; the imposition of term limits; conflicts of interest; and whether spouses and/or family members should serve on the board at the same time.

Dr. Robert Gross, right, candidate for a seat on the Kern Valley Healthcare District Board of Directors, speaks with Southlake resident Ron Hyatt at Monday night’s KVHD candidates forum at the Senior Center in Lake Isabella.

The seven candidates, Victoria Alwin, Barbara Casas, Robert Gross, Bob Jamison, Robert Knight, William Van Lente and John Blythe fielded the questions with thoughtful responses. For more detailed information see “Meet the Candidates” on page A11 in this issue.

Although the meeting was followed a standard format, there was one unique difference. One of the candidates, Blythe, was unable to attend the event, as he was out of the country on business. Thanks to modern technology, Blythe was able to be part of the panel via cellular speakerphone.