HomeMy WebLinkAboutMandatory Mask OrdinanceDear City Council members,
I was extremely perturbed tonight to find out that the city council would be discussing and potentially voting on a mask mandate for the City of Rexburg. I would like to address several
different reasons why I oppose the mask mandate and why the decision will be detrimental to Rexburg in general.
My husband and I came here for school years ago, but we have stayed because we found a safe place to raise our children where our rights as individuals would be protected and where
we could feel a sense of community and safety, which was of the utmost importance for our family. We have been extremely disturbed to read the ordinance passed for the City of Driggs
and to understand that the Rexburg city council plans to model ours after theirs. I especially find it concerning that the city would consider placing fines on individuals for not wearing
masks as well as shutting down businesses who are not in compliance. It is not the place of our city government to dictate how a business operates or the way that individuals dress
in public. It is an infringement on personal freedoms as well as that of businesses.
If this ordinance passes, businesses in Rexburg will see a reduction in business due to fear, social distancing, as well as the actions of those who oppose masks, including myself.
My family and I will limit all possible patronization of businesses that require masks, and I know of many people who plan on doing the same. Furthermore, the sense of community and
wholeness that we have enjoyed so much in Rexburg will disappear, as a culture of judgement and anger is cultivated by this ordinance. Beyond this, Madison county has had so few cases
so far that instituting a mask mandate would do more harm than good, as it will very difficult to build or maintain healthy immune systems when all outside interactions are tempered
by mask wearing. This will result in compromised immunity if a spike does occur in the area, jeopardizing more lives, and will create a much worse flu season than usual, as the population
will have been forced to wear masks outside of their homes for an indefinite amount of time.
I understand the fear and worry that has accompanied the presentation of this virus, as my husband and I have struggled with how to best protect our family during these times. However,
I strongly feel that the shutdown, mask wearing, etc. have perpetuated the virus far longer than it needed to remain in our community and around the country. If we continue to shut
things down, the population will remain unhealthy and our economy will greatly suffer. Let individuals and businesses decide what is best for them, and then let that dictate the way
this situation develops. If the situation truly continues to worsen, individuals will increasingly social distance and do other things to remain healthy. Businesses will take the precautions
they feel necessary, and individuals will choose to go there or not, depending on their personal beliefs. Let the market run itself, and the people will be fine. I look forward to seeing
the decisions made by the city council and letting it strongly influence my voting decisions in the future.
Isobel Pawson, Rexburg Resident