PORT ANGELES – Clallam County Commissioners have officially gone on record opposing the current regionalized reopening plan for COVID-19.
This week, commissioners sent a letter to Governor Jay Inslee emphasizing problems they see with his plan for re-opening the state.
The county commissioners’ arguments mirror an effort from the 24th District Legislative delegation last week, saying they had lost faith in the governor’s leadership.
Officials are critical of the plan in that Clallam County may be left in Phase 1 even though it has one of the lowest case rates in the state. Puget Sound counties with the largest case rates and rising, could reopen using a new set of metrics.
Commissioner Randy Johnson says, the whole situation with Clallam lumped into a region with Jefferson Kitsap and Mason counties, has him more than frustrated.
“I’m probably more more upset than many people might be. And the more I think about it, the more I think it’s appropriate. I just hope it makes some difference with our Governor. It’s just so nonsensical and I say that in light of the multiples of businesses that are being harmed by his actions.”
The commissioners’ letter says the “Roadmap for Recovery Plan leave Clallam county “at a standstill without reason Rather than supporting and encouraging our citizens and businesses who have been complying with health orders, the plan as it is being implemented actually discourages participation and causes undue anger and frustration”.
Last week the governor’s staff told legislators “no” to any changes in the plan.