Primary Elections 2025

Washington has a top-two-candidate voting system. Primary elections are held only for offices in which more than two candidates filed with the Elections office to run for a position. In 2025, that’s two offices for Island County: Public Hospital District Commissioner, Position 5, and Central Whidbey Fire Commissioner, Position 2. 

In the past, the League of Women Voters of Whidbey Island has held Candidates’ Forums in advance of primary and general elections. This year, due to conflicting schedules, we are unable to have all candidates available at the same time. Instead, we have opted to invite the candidates to submit a brief statement addressing three questions: 

• What are your qualifications for the position you seek? 

• What is your interest in the position? 

• What will be your priorities if you are elected to the position? 

Our objective is to provide voters with information about the candidates that they can use to make decisions when completing their ballots. 

Candidates for Public Hospital District Commissioner, Position 5: 

Morgan Cooper:  no statement submitted 

Kirk Gasper:  no statement submitted 

Theodore C. Smith:  no statement submitted 

Dennis Rochier :

I have worked in healthcare for over 40 years, 8 as laboratory technician and 35 as physician. My leadership experience includes medical director of the hospitalist team at the Franciscan hospitals in Tacoma, Section Head of Adult Family Medicine at Virginia Mason, Medical Director of Primary Care overseeing rural clinics in Nevada, Chief Medical Officer of Acute Care including an 800 bed hospital as well as a Critical Access Rural Hospital, Chief Physician Executive at Overlake Medical Clinics and Medical Director of Whidbey Health Clinics in Coupeville, Freeland and Clinton. My degrees include MD and Master of Healthcare Administration. 

The Public Hospital Board interests me as it provides an opportunity to use my many years of experience as a clinician and leader in a public service capacity. As a Whidbey Island resident, I recognize the importance of having access to high quality care locally. The Hospital is facing challenges due to financial and regulatory changes that place all rural health systems at risk. 

My priorities are to bring efficiency and quality care to the system through board oversight. Through my understanding of healthcare systems, I intend to be a resource to the administration, medical staff, and patients who rely on Whidbey Health. 

Candidates for Central Whidbey Fire Commissioner, Position 2: 

Scott Austin: no statement submitted 

Christopher Chan: no statement submitted 

Larry Goff: 

What are your qualifications for the position you seek? 

I had a 47-year career spent in the Fire Service, starting as a seasonal wildland firefighter. Most of my career was with the City of Lake Oswego Fire Department, working my way up through the ranks to become Fire Chief.

While working as a firefighter for Lake Oswego, I was elected to the Board of Directors for Oregon’s largest fire district, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue. During my 24 years as a Board member, acting many years in the position of President, I navigated many complicated issues including budget approval, fiscal accountability, mergers and approving district policies. 

What interests you about the position? 

Having served as both a career firefighter and an elected Fire Board member, I believe I can provide a unique perspective as a Fire Commissioner for Central Whidbey Fire District. 

What would be your priorities if you were elected to the position? 

Continuing the Fire District’s community involvement, maintaining trust and fiscal responsibility are priorities for me. 

Candidates’ statements are posted as submitted.