While I support Commissioners Douglas Chew and Sean Kertes’ efforts to increase the number of vaccines being sent to our county (“Westmoreland commissioners demand increase in covid vaccine deliveries”), real leadership of our highest electeds requires them to step into the breach at the county level and respond to the urgent health needs of our residents.
They should demonstrate strong leadership by:
• Creating a countywide vaccine appointment registry that includes a toll-free, well-staffed phone number so that residents who don’t have internet connections or have difficulty with technology can have equal access for scheduling.
• Facilitating science-based public health education about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines provided by trusted community leaders.
• Arranging for free transportation options to link to the free bus service so that rural residents are not left out.
In addition, the commissioners should meet the requirements of a true democracy by opening up their monthly meetings to the public through Zoom or a similar platform. Then we can more easily hold them accountable.
Bob Mason
Trafford