The Coos County Board of Commissioners (BOC) is now holding its regular meetings virtually. The County is doing this because BOC Chair Robert Main will not wear a face mask or enforce masking rules at in-person meetings. His refusal is a violation of State Covid-19 regulations. These violations expose the County to legal liability and have already generated a complaint to Oregon Occupational Safety & Health (OSHA).
Many political observers think Commissioner Main’s mask stance is based on the principle of “medical freedom”.
At the August 17 in-person meeting Commissioner Main said about masking requirements, “I don’t believe in it”. In Mid-August KMTR 16 reported he said, “If masks are so effective, why did you need shots? So, if the shots and the masks aren’t effective, why have them at all? The science doesn’t bear that out. It seems like it’s highly political only.”
The County’s response to an OSHA safety complaint gives a different reason for Mr. Main’s non-masking. County Counsel wrote, “We have followed up with Commissioner Main, who indicated that his doctor has advised against wearing masks due to breathing problems.”
Is Commissioner Main’s masking refusal based on principle or is it because of a respiratory problem?
Both factors may motivate him. However, this is the first we’ve heard about his “breathing problems.” It is interesting that this explanation comes from an attorney not Commissioner Main.
Signs Against “Safety” Levy Popping Up
Sheriff Gabe Fabrizio, along with District Attorney Paul Fraxier and Coos County Commissioner John Sweet have been urging city councils, civic groups, political organizations and more to support the levy. All this while Fabrizio completely ignores charges of gender bias that allowed an accused rapist, Jason Snelgrove, to escape without even an interrogation.
Justice denied by law enforcement policies
How has Fabrizio handled this? By ignoring it. He has refused to return calls or answer emails. Both he and his captain have been overheard discussing these stories saying “people just don’t understand how things work.” They have made zero effort to educate us or provide information about their internal policies that allow such serious crimes as rape and possibly murder go uninvestigated.
