Updated Oct. 20 with details on resignation.
Fred Langer, a member of the board of commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 2, Snohomish County, which operates as the Verdant Health Commission, has resigned from the board effective immediately, Verdant announced Tuesday. Langer’s term was set to expire at the end of 2021 and his replacement will be elected by the voters during the Nov. 2 general election. Langer held Commissioner Position 2 on the board of the hospital district since 1998.
Langer resigned because he recently moved out of the hospital district boundaries, said Jennifer Piplic, Verdant’s director of marketing and communications. “Since the RCW requires our commissioners live in the hospital district and be a registered voter, he no longer fulfills this requirement,” she said.
“Fred has given our community so much of himself during his years of service,” said Verdant Board President Bob Knowles. “He has shown tremendous care and compassion for our residents and brought many innovative ideas forward. His contributions will leave a lasting impact.”
During his 24 years as a commissioner, Langer was instrumental in numerous changes that have benefited the residents of the hospital district, most notably the long-term lease of the hospital facility to Swedish Health Services in 2010 and the creation of the Verdant Health Commission as the program of the public hospital district. Since 2011, Verdant has invested approximately $59 million into programs and services for South Snohomish County residents.
Langer served as the president of the board of commissioners for 11 years, including in 2010 when the lease with Swedish was finalized and took effect and in 2004 when the voters approved increasing the number of commissioners on the board from three to five.
“Commissioner Langer has dedicated his life to helping others and providing access to health care services,” said Verdant Superintendent Lisa Edwards. “His expertise as a nurse and attorney have been invaluable for the Verdant Health Commission. He leaves a tremendous legacy of community service.”
According to a Verdant announcement, Langer’s contributions to the board as an experienced registered nurse and, for the past 20 years, a personal injury attorney, provided a unique combination of insights and expertise. He advocated for residents to have access to quality care and services, and his passion and energy will be missed, Edwards said.
I believe that Verdant owes taxpayers a reason for the resignation – medical, ethical, family, fiscal, malfeasance.
Thanks for the question. We just updated the story with this information:
Langer resigned because he recently moved out of the hospital district boundaries, said Jennifer Piplic, Verdant’s director of marketing and communications. “Since the RCW requires our commissioners live in the hospital district and be a registered voter, he no longer fulfills this requirement,” she said.
If he doesn’t live in the district, he should step down immediately and someone who lives in the district should be appointed to do the rest of his term. This is what is supposed to happen with elected officials. Why are they not doing this? When exactly did he move out of the district; how recently? Having a person serve who isn’t in the district is against the law like Piplic said. Why wasn’t this addressed sooner? How long have they been ignoring the law?
Just a note that a new commissioner will be voted into that position in two weeks.
When did he move out of the district and officially become unable to be a commissioner? He should of stepped down when he moved. and legal procedures should of been followed.
I don’t know but I will ask.
A simple google search said that he sold his house in Edmonds on september 16th. Then had addresses in Kingston and Ruston. Even if someone else gets voted in in two weeks, he should of stepped down in September when he didn’t live in the district and then appointed someone. This is illegal. If you don’t live in a district you can’t hold a elected position there. Shame on the hospital district and their executive director for letting this happen.
What does Ken Reedy say? I would like his thoughts.
According to Verdant: “We were notified of his move the day he resigned. Fred served our community well for many years, and we value and appreciate all that he did for our residents.”
I would like to thank Fred Langer for his many years of service to our hospital district, Verdant, and our community. Fred was instrumental in developing the new model for the hospital district in 2010 where Swedish now operates the hospital and Verdant provides health and wellness services and program funding in our community. He served with distinction, sincerity, and always put what is best for the community first. His experience as an attorney and an RN provided extra benefit and assistance to Verdant. Thanks Fred for all you have done for our community. Carl Zapora, Hospital District/Verdant Superintendent/CEO 2011-2016 (now retired).
Fred Langer was a gift to the hospital district, Verdant and the entire community. His compassionate dedication and long service is an exemplary example of great citizenship..
Fred resigned as quickly as he could upon sale of his Edmonds home. He served the community faithfully even though the past few years he privately battled cancer. Fred lost his 3 year battle today, December 17, 2021. The community was lucky to have him.