Council votes against re-appointing retired pastor to hospital board

KALKASKA – The Village of Kalkaska could soon have a new representative on the Kalkaska Memorial Health Center board, after the village council voted Monday, Feb. 11 against re-appointing retired Pastor Dan Johnson during its regular meeting.

Johnson had reportedly submitted his resignation from the KMHC board, with the council’s agenda for Monday night’s meeting calling for a vote to accept it. But, prior to the meeting, Johnson asked the letter be rescinded and that he continue to represent the village at future board meetings.

“He resigned then took it back, stated he was upset at the time and acted in haste,” said Village President Harley Wales. “Last Thursday, he took it back in a meeting scheduled with (village manager) Scott Yost and I.

“At that time, he offered his services again and offered us a list of his credentials. So, I offered him as my nomination to the council.”

However, council members voted, 5-1, to reject Johnson’s continued service as the village liaison to KMHC. Trustee Robert Larsen cast the only affirmative vote. Wales, who is employed at the local medical facility, abstained.

Wales added that he had considered nominating another individual for the position, but the person had recently been offered a job at KMHC, and couldn’t serve on the board while receiving a benefit from the hospital.

“I had selected my own nomination, who I felt could lead the hospital in a path of interest to the village, as a lot of campaign discussions were around a mental health/rehab facility being needed in the area,” he said.

With Johnson’s bid to rejoin the board being nixed by the council, Wales said he would “do my best due diligence” to find another nominee.

As for Johnson, Wales added that he most likely will continue his service as a member of the hospital board.

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