Voice of Westmoreland to air local public health concerns in Zoom forum

A grassroots activist group will host a public Zoom forum with Westmoreland County commissioners Wednesday evening to air local concerns and urge them to take an active role in battling the region’s growing public health crisis.

Although the county does not have an independent public health department, a spokesman for Voice of Westmoreland said the group is circulating a petition calling on the county to advocate for broadening covid-19 testing so all residents have access to tests, to provide regular updates to Westmoreland residents,and to host weekly information sessions related to testing locations, case numbers, vaccine distribution, hospital updates, masks and social distancing, schools and day care centers, and state and federal guidelines.

The petition also asks that county commissioners lobby for a second round of $1,200 federal stimulus relief payment to residents, an extension of federal unemployment benefits and a moratorium on evictions.

A group spokesman said those interested in expressing their sentiments can register to attend the online forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Zoom.

Michael Pardus of Voice of Westmoreland said the group had registered 80 participants for the forum as of Tuesday afternoon. He said all three county commissioners were asked to sit in on the forum, but he has yet to receive commitments.

“We know (county commissioners) can’t pass laws or legislation on many of these issues, but they can get out in front and lead on issues that are important to the community,” Pardus said.