KINGMAN – The theater-style stanchion and ribbon assembly that was placed to protect Mohave County officials from Covid-19 years ago could be returning to the Board of Supervisors auditorium and meeting room at the Administration building in downtown Kingman.
Ron Gould ordered removal of the barriers, along with the plexiglass erected in front of the supervisors, county manager and county attorney, when he became Chairman of the Board four years ago.
New supervisor Don Martin wants the ribbon barrier back, not for public health, but for public safety and protection from a sometimes-hostile public.
“You’ve seen outbursts by folks that were borderline serious, I mean threats against everybody up front, from the attorney to the county manager to any supervisor. I’m concerned,” Martin said. He said an angry citizen could quickly access public officials from the front row of the audience or from the public speaking podium.
“If a person was of the mind to get to a supervisor or other person up front, if they were standing at the podium the can be on top of a person in three seconds,” Martin said. The former police officer noted any security present during Board meetings are usually situated up the stairs in the back of the room.
“I’ve seen a couple of times that I felt that the person at the podium was just about ready to charge. The people sitting up there are literally sitting ducks,” Martin said. “It’s a matter of safety. I just can’t in good faith say everybody should have free and unfettered access to that front up there.”
Martin said citizens can use text, email, phone or other mechanisms to communicate with county officials, and that there’s no need or right to direct physical access.
Martin said putting the barriers back won’t stop an attack, but might slow one down. His proposal will be heard during the February 18 Board of Supervisor’s meeting.
Dave Hawkins
