Springer’s bill would eliminate signature requirement for WGH board election

State Rep. Drew Springer introduced legislation last week that would change how candidates run for a seat on the board of directors of Wilbarger General Hospital.
HB 2888 removes the provision requiring candidates for the Wilbarger Hospital Board to gather 100 signatures before being on the ballot.
“Removing this requirement will reduce a barrier for those interested in running and provide for fair election process in this small community,” Springer said.
The WGH administration requested the change after a controversy in the 2018 election process. Jim Riggins challenged board member Melanie Milner for her seat. Both obtained the number of signatures, but several were duplicates. An investigation showed Riggins had received the signatures first and he was awarded the board seat. Milner was then reappointed to another vacant seat and then appointed chairman of the board.