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This is the first contested race for the board of directors at the hospital in six years. Aspen Valley Hospital (AVH) canceled two previous ones because no one applied, except the incumbents. For this election, there are seven candidates running for two open seats.The candidates all answered a series of questions posed by Aspen Public Radio. Here are their responses.Ballots must be returned to AVH's administration office by 7 p.m. on May 3. They can be mailed or dropped off in person.

Eric Willsky, MD

Profession: Physician/Anesthesiologist

Age: 64

Where do you live? Aspen

How long have you lived in the valley?  27 years, since 1989

In what capacity have you used AVH? How would you rate your experience and why? I am a physician there, both my children were born at AVH, our family has used the facility extensively for tests, surgery, etc. After 27 years I clearly have developed a close bond with the hospital and staff.

To read the full list of questions and answers, and hear the audio portion, click here.

What compelled you to run for a board seat? There have been many times that I have differences of opinion with the board and leadership that could be handled internally. The recent evolving leadership issues and vision have come to a point that I believe need better oversight from the board.

Have you ever attended a board meeting? If so, for what reason? If no, why not? I was past Chief of Staff of the Medical Staff and past Chairman of the Medical Staff Development Committee, both requiring attendance at the board meetings.

What makes you qualified to serve?                                                                                                  

-27 years as a hospital based physician at AVH, seeing what worked and what didn’t, being around and listening to hospital staff issues and views.

-Co-Chair and primary contact of an earlier CEO search, recruiting Michael Kerr who was largely responsible for the most significant hospital turnaround since I have been here.

-Assisted in the successful development of our CEO residence which allows for the recruitment of high-quality CEOs.

-Past president of the local Medical Society, covering Aspen to Rifle

-Past chief of the Medical Staff at Aspen Valley Hospital

What is the most important issue facing AVH? Healthcare in general? How will you address it? After 27 years at AVH, it is clear that the performance and spirit of a hospital this size depends tremendously on the CEO.  I have conducted a previous successful CEO search at AVH. I believe the next CEO selection is critical but needs to be done expeditiously. I have the skill set to get that done and find someone with the abilities and vision consistent with the community’s needs.

The biggest job in front of the board of directors is to hire a CEO. What does the ultimate candidate look like? Is a local candidate who knows the community and hospital preferable? After 27 years, I have seen good, average, and poor performing CEOs. The best have the ability and desire to develop a close relationship with the hospital staff, the physicians, and community. I have witnessed the CEO position held by locals in both permanent and temporary positions. The job requires multiple skillsets and experience that is almost impossible to find locally. There are many, many, qualified candidates out there that would love to come to Aspen. Let’s find one.

What do you want voters to know about you? My experience as a long time local physician who raised his family here and is dedicated to the success of AVH.

“Where there’s a Willsky, there’s a way!”