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PRINCIPLED DISOBEDIENCE OR BREATHING PROBLEMS?

PRINCIPLED DISOBEDIENCE OR BREATHING PROBLEMS?

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.

About The Author

David Jennings

Before retiring David Jennings worked for the Coos County Juvenile Department for 28.5 years as a Juvenile Detention Counselor.

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