As a former Vashon resident, and patient of the wonderful Gary Koch, I’m appalled by the blunders committed by Sea Mar.

Vague and conflicting statements about their plans are issued by “spokespersons,” and no specifics are provided on why they pulled out of joint planning for a new building.

It is hard to imagine much controversy about the design of a community health clinic. How many throat sticks to allocate to each room? I can only guess that egos, and the need for control rather than substance, are in play.

Sea Mar has a proud heritage. I remember in the 1970s when it established small clinics for impoverished Hispanic families in the Rainier Valley, South Park, and Skagit Valley. They can’t go to war against a community that wants to work collaboratively.

Instead of mediation and lawyer fees, I suggest another approach: the CEO of Sea Mar, and the chair of the VHCD should sit down for coffee on the porch of Minglement and restart the clock.

— Abe Bergman, MD