Threading The Needle

Have you noticed, how we are divided as a people on the pandemic just like we are in our politics?

On one side you have people passionately screaming that we are surrendering our liberties by adhering to a stay-in-place order.

On the counter side, you have people who believe in government’s ability to righteously reign in our freedom. They applaud the governor.

On Monday, Fairfield Mayor Brent Maguire tried to thread the needle. He said, in essence, there’s no real way for the city to enforce the Governor’s executive order…but adhering to the order, sure makes sense. He didn’t really confer with other leaders in town. Maybe a pow-wow with county leaders or the health department would have been a good preliminary meeting.

I believe the announcement complicated the lives of people who hold licenses from the state and county. People now expect them to be open. The hair stylists I talked to won’t risk losing their state license. While some restaurants immediately announced they would open, I believe the county health department can change that fast.

The Mayor must have thought he needed to say…something. I do appreciate his candor. If I were to differ….and it is easy from the cheap seats…..

I would have taken a team approach, with other community leaders, including the city council, beside me…and I would have been clear that there are some businesses that the state and county…can keep closed.