Campbell, McWhorter leading in Trios Health board races

A longtime Kennewick Public Hospital District board member was trailing Tuesday in his bid for another six-year term.

Victor V. Johnson, who joined the board in 1998, had 4,618 votes, or 47 percent, after the first round of results. His challenger, Don Campbell, led with 5,212 votes, or 53 percent.

In the district’s other race, Mike McWhorter had a commanding lead with 7,683 votes, or 77 percent, while Cedro Rodriguez drew 2,350 votes, or 23 percent. Those two are facing off for a seat left open by the retirement of incumbent Donna Vance.

About 15,000 votes are left to be tabulated countywide. The next round of results is expected Wednesday afternoon.

Johnson, 81, the board’s vice president, said he’s hopeful the results will shift as more ballots are counted. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, and experience pays; experiences helps in getting things done. We’ll just have to wait and see,” he told the Herald late Tuesday.

Campbell, 64, said he’s pleased with the results and expects the election night trend to hold. “I’m very happy, and I also know the work will begin when I take office,” he said. “I’m going to work with everybody on the board — we’re going to work to turn this thing around.”

The seven-member board oversees the Trios Health system, which has celebrated the opening of a new hospital and care center in Southridge in the last year or so but also has experienced a cash crunch that prompted layoffs and revealed a split on the board.

The district’s finances — and officials’ approach to them — was a key issue in the election, and the initial election results send something of a mixed message. Johnson and McWhorter have said the finances are improving and the district is on the right track, while Campbell and Rodriguez ran on platforms of change.

McWhorter, 62, said he feels voters recognized his experience and dedication to Trios. “I can’t thank (my supporters) enough. You do the right thing in your community and people see that,” he said.

Rodriguez, 38, couldn’t immediately be reached.

This story was originally published November 3, 2015 at 8:31 PM with the headline "Campbell, McWhorter leading in Trios Health board races."