I have calmed down a bit since I read Dr. Aaron Heide’s letter to the editor last week about how the Valley Medical Center administration is trampling over the democratic process in trying to improve the public’s health care.

Heide has every right to have his opinion heard. It’s just that the facts backing up his opinion were wrong. It’s essential that the five board members clearly understand what’s in an agreement to form a strategic alliance with UW Medicine.

Based on what I read in Heide’s letter, he may not have been paying attention. He has had ample chance to educate himself, including at a two-day board retreat last October. However, Heide and fellow commissioner Anthony Hemstad missed part, perhaps a big one, of that briefing.

He didn’t understand that VMC CEO Rich Roodman has no role in appointing trustees to the alliance’s 13-member Board of Trustees. In Heide’s mind, that was Roodman’s chance to stack the new board in his favor. The power to appoint rests with UW Medicine. Heide wondered about the seeming rush to strike a deal. But that deadline was clearly set by UW Medicine and part of a key document Heide approved to move forward with negotiations.

Roodman is giving no one the bum’s rush. Nor he is trying to con anyone, including UW Medicine.  What’s clear, too, is that the 13 trustees – which will include the five Valley commissioners – owe their allegiance to what’s good for the strategic alliance, and no one else.

So, from my standpoint, it’s time to set aside any lingering animosity against Roodman. While unconventional, Roodman has stood the test of time and plenty of skeptical commissioners, all of whom he has won over.

Commissioners – all five of you. Keep your eyes on the prize. Set aside your differences, please, and give this alliance a fair review, based on its benefits – and its shortfalls.