As an employer and company leader, I am deeply disappointed by local leaders failure to lead during a deadly pandemic. With cases and hospitalizations surging, equating the irresponsible choice to not wear a mask and contribute to the spread of COVID-19 as a “constitutional right of Montanans,” is wrong. The right to intentionally or unintentionally spread the virus is no more a constitutional right than the right to drive drunk. Both endanger the health and safety of the public and put the entire community at risk.
The top priority of community leaders should be to protect the health and safety of its citizens and safeguard the community’s economic viability. For the greater good of our entire economy and out of respect for the safety of all front-line and health care workers, everyone should mask up, avoid gathering and social distance.
In times of crisis leaders should not provide cover for the irresponsible behavior of the worst of us but set the example of the best behavior for the rest of us.
As a local businessman I believe I have an obligation and responsibility to protect the health and safety of my employees and safeguard the company’s capabilities to safely serve our customers and our community without contributing to the spread of COVID-19.
Is it too much to expect our elected community leaders to do the same?
Brian Clark
Kalispell