October 4, 2007

Tyler signs on as write-in candidate

By Jennifer Larsen

News editor

Kerry W. Tyler declared his intent to run for public office on Sept. 26, filing a declaration of candidacy as a write-in candidate for the short- and four-year commissioner district No. 2 position in the East Adams Rural Hospital District No. 2 against incumbent Jerry Crossler.

As a write-in candidate, Tyler’s name will not be printed on ballots. Voters may cast a vote for him by writing his name on the available space on the ballot in the correct race.

According to WAC 434-262-160, “In all cases of write-in votes the canvassing board shall exercise all reasonable efforts to determine voter’s intent.”

Since Tyler has filed a declaration of candidacy, voters need only to write in his name for the vote to be counted.

Write-in votes are counted the same as if the name was printed on the ballot and marked by the voter. However, the vote will count only if cast in the correct position on the ballot.

Tyler is a Ritzville native, born at the Ritzville hospital in 1968 and graduating from Ritzville High School in 1987. His three children, Kerry D., Jared and Kelley, are enrolled in the Ritzville school district.

He’s worked at the hospital for about 10 years, either as an EMT, x-ray technician or nurse’s aid certified, as well as at Life Care Center as a NAC.

“Ever since I was in the healthcare system, I always wanted to do more but I didn’t know how,” Tyler said. “I’ve been wanting to do it for a while, but I didn’t know when to go for it.”

This is his first experience running for public office, but his experience as a leader includes serving as president of the Ritzville EMT Association a couple years and being involved with Little League as a player, umpire, coach and board member.

Tyler stands firm on what his top priority is. “Hearing from the people of the district, their concerns… I’m willing to listen to the district. I’m a good listener, I don’t go on half-cocked.”

Recent unrest in the district and being able to rearrange his schedule for the board meetings prompted Tyler to run as a write-in candidate.

“We have people who won’t go up there (hospital). We need to find out why,” he said. “One thing is you can’t have board members screaming at the doctors… We have to have a common goal. You can’t have that if everyone is fighting… I’m going to tell you the truth, even if it hurts me.”