Letter to the Editor: Those vulnerable need to be represented
Dear editor,
I have MS and am a National MS Society Delegate. The disease has progressed such that I can’t attend the August 5th meeting. However, I want you to know how strenuously I agree that masks should be required in Portage County for the rest of the pandemic.
If you look at our case numbers rising daily (watch ABC local news) and you go to any area business and see the majority of people not masking, you can see the correlation so clearly. If this keeps up, anyone needing a hospital bed for any reason, that includes you and yours, will not be able to get one.
Upon watching the news coverage after the first meeting, it occurred to me that by their very nature (being in person) these meetings may not equally represent both sides. Those most vulnerable or afraid of catching the virus won’t attend which gives the wrong impression to the Board about the numbers of pro vs. anti-mask populations. I really hope that naturally occurring misrepresentation is well understood by those in whose hands the power lies.
I urge those of you who can’t attend, please write to the Portage County Clerk, K. Filen, to voice your opinion. Other counties and cities have taken the responsible step of requiring masks because they are intelligent and care about the greater good of their citizens. I know Portage County citizens deserve that care and protection too.
Annette Huston
Stevens Point