November 18th, 2020
The Board of Klamath County Commissioners voice concerns; new state COVID-19 regulations and the 2 week “freeze” will be too much for already struggling businesses to bear.
“This statewide approach does not fit Klamath County. We have a robust health care system, and we are confident the relationships in this community would ensure our health care professionals, and public health, would work together to decide what our community needs without the state’s interference. We do not need a top down approach from the State; we believe we can navigate this challenging issue locally.” said Commissioner Kelley Minty Morris.
“ Citizens have spoken clearly, this is causing impacts that cannot be ignored, increases in suicide, domestic violence and substance abuse, these are real consequences of shut downs” said Commissioner Donnie Boyd.
“We have a real fear businesses that close may never re-open, it’s already been the case for more than 2 dozen businesses in this county. Another shut down could increase the number of unemployed right before the holidays” said Commissioner Derrick DeGroot.
“The Sheriff’s Office will not be enforcing distancing, gathering, or masking restrictions. I have informed the local paper and that decision has been shared on other media platforms. It is the decision I made in the spring and remains consistent even though the governor indicated she is enlisting local law enforcement this time. The Sheriff’s Office is busy responding to calls for service of greater public safety concern” said Sheriff Chris Kaber in an email to a constituent.
“This virus is real, we are not minimizing that, we believe we can be nimble and flexible in a local response that’s appropriate for our community. Meantime, we ask our community to continue doing the common sense safety measures the CDC and Public Health have been recommending for months” said Commissioner Morris.
“County employees are here to serve the citizens, we have taken precautions to keep employees and citizens safe, as such County Offices will remain open.” said Commissioner Boyd.
Leaders chosen by Oregonians to represent their best interests and be their advocates, throughout and across our beautiful state, have written a letter and are asking the Governor and Governor’s office to meet and work with them to assess proposals, plans and consider different options. See Letter HERE.
Businesses can contact East Cascades Worksource for questions about business assistance at stefanie@ecworks.org and 541-904-5012
Affected Employees can get information at https://unemployment.oregon.gov/frequently-asked-questions#faqTopic-113980
Additionally, the Governor has announced an additional 55 million dollars in relief to businesses in the state, information about how funds will be disbursed locally will be coming soon.
Dear God…clueless, heD in the sand response.
How embarrassing…
The Covid virus is here to stay – it’s basically the new flu. And yes, just like flu, some people will die from it. But the vast majority who get it recover without any complications. In Klamath County, there have been 550 cases diagnosed and 3 deaths. Trying to mitigate irreparable damage to the economy and refusing to tell consenting adults what they can do in the privacy of their own homes is the opposite of having their heads in the sand. Their vision is quite clear.
Praise God for Commissioners who do the right thing. Thank You!
To those anonymous gutless wonders who don’t agree with our Commissioners-
I will gladly buy you a one way ticket to Salem so you can spend Thanksgiving with your Gestapo leader Kate Brown!
Terry Edwards
I noticed you choose to remain anonymous. Maybe you should move to another county if you don’t believe in the way klamath chooses to opperate. I am incredibly proud of our leaders in this community, standing up for what we as a collective believe in.
You are kidding, right?
Way to go commissioners! We stand behind you!
Good job! A little common sense is wonderful!
Common sense prevails, thanks!!
Thank you! If only the rest of oregon would stand up to brown and her prized city of Portland
Thank you Commissioners and sheriffs department for actually representing your constituents.Finally some common sense!
I’m very impressed with are Local government. Thanks very much.
Thank you so much for using common sense. Our County commissioners know the best for the citizens of this Country. Great job.
Shameful
Of course these backwards representatives play this game and like other people who have gone down this road you will ultimately cost people their lives. You should enforce the masks which you don’t and that’s why I see people in fred meyers with no masks all the time putting people at risk for their selfishness.
It is incredibly heartening to see that our elected officials understand that bringing the world to a standstill to try to achieve safety in one area would equally serve to destroy it in others. Thank you!
People will die from Covid, yes. 1.25 million people are killed in traffic accidents every year, but driving is still legal. Should we give up driving to save those lives? You are certainly welcome to do so, if that fits your conscience. But as a society, we have said No. Because we would be crippled: unable to work, shop, go on vacation, visit family, etc. Much like we have been with the covid shut downs. Thank you for the opportunity to live, which by its nature comes with a little risk.
Well glad you have support of all the people that would refuse to follow the guidelines anyway. Enjoy your echo chamber. Hopefully you aren’t wrong, if so where will all the sick patients at die lakes go? I am sure that the lack of people adhering to restrictions is hurting local businesses too. Most people don’t want to go near the maskless Yee haws running around like there isn’t a global pandemic. Anyways congrats on the pandering. I think it’s time to look for a new community to live in.
Thank you Commisioners and Sheriff’s department for representing the people of Klamath County. As so many have already said, your use of common sense is truly refreshing and appreciated !!
Thank for over stepping your authority and being a dictator and making it worse for the businesses and ruining our Holliday’s and for being a communist and wanting to turn this state into a communist state united we stand divided we fall
Great news , I am so glad to see our l our local government and law enforcement have taken a stand for what is best for the locals . Way to go Mr. Degroot and Sheriff Kaber .!!!
I am incredibly proud of the leaders in this community, standing up for us and for focusing our resources in the areas that are in dire need as a result of the shutdowns.