20 October 2020 — 1905 mdt
“To table a health proposal during a pandemic is unacceptable”
Flathead commissioner candidate Kristen Larson
issues statement on health board’s failure
to approve Covid suppression proposal
Last Thursday, Flathead County’s board of health refused to consider a weak, but better than nothing, proposal for containing the SARS-cov-2 virus, which is running amok in the Flathead. The next day, Kristen Larson, Democratic candidate for Flathead County Commissioner said the board’s conduct was unacceptable. Her full statement, first released on Facebook, is below. Her Republican adversary, Brad Abell, did not, insofar as I can determine, comment on the issue.
Today, the Flathead, with 9.8 percent of Montana’s residents, has 14.5 percent (1,308) of Montana’s 8,999 active Covid-19 cases.
Many Flathead County’s residents are doing a rum job of masking-up, distancing, and avoiding crowds and nonessential indoor activities. Flathead businesses, penny wise and virus foolish, and loath to enforce masking-up, are subordinating the health of their customers, and their employees, to their worship of the bottom line.
Contemptuous of Gov. Bullock’s mask-up mandate, content to let public health officials and experts twist in the wind, the Flathead’s county commissioners are sitting on their hands (which is a de facto endorsement of the crackpot Great Barrington Declaration), raising them only to sign a statement criticizing the governor for trying to save the health and lives of Montanans. It’s a dangerous and disgraceful situation.
ENDORSEMENT. I’m voting for Kristen Larson for Flathead County Commissioner because she would would govern with wisdom and mercy. She would base her decisions on fact, science, and enlightened public opinion, not on right wing ideology and misinformation. The Flathead needs that approach to public service.
Now, her statement:
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
October 16, 2020
Flathead:
This is a good way to see how local government works and why it is so important who you elect to the Commission. Flathead City-County Health Board members are appointed by the Commissioners. This is why it is important who your local elected officials are.
Yesterday, the Flathead City-County Health Board ignored the plea of our health community including an Infectious Disease Specialist, Kalispell Regional Healthcare CEO & Doctor, Public Schools Superintendent, and physicians. 5-3 the board voted to not limit group size to 500 or less during a pandemic and tabling another proposal before the vote.
When elected as County Commissioner I will respect and listen to the specialists. I will let them lead and I will support them in any way I can. Being a good leader isn’t standing in front of the pack, it is making sure you are promoting a positive environment, respecting other people’s strengths, collaborating with grace & civility.
To table a health proposal during a pandemic is unacceptable. I believe our board should have worked together, talking through what works, what needs to be amended and then put it to a vote.
Folks, COVID isn’t going anywhere and the snow is in the mountains. Please consider the risks out there, wear your mask, avoid large gatherings and support each other. Having personal responsibility for your actions is more important than ever.
Stay safe and be well.