MOHAVE COUNTY – The pandemic is taking a toll on the people of Mohave County. Sheriff Doug Schuster delivered that message emphatically during Monday’s Board of Supervisors meeting in Kingman.
“We are now seeing the end game of the lock downs, of the masks,” Schuster said. “Our suicide rates are extreme compared to where they were this time last year. Our domestic violence is extreme. Our people are not doing well under these mandates.”
Schuster noted that personnel from his office were dispatched to try to resolve a conflict that erupted before the Oct. 8 board meeting when some citizens wanted to attend, but were unwilling or unable to wear face cover so they were denied admission.
“While the public is being compelled to wear face masks at these meetings we have members of the board who are not and this is by no means any slight on these board members as I fully support their right to personal choice,” Schuster said. “What it does demonstrate, however, is the distinct division amongst our individual board members and that’s okay. It does, however, in my opinion, send the wrong message to the citizens, a message of do as I say, not as I do.”
Schuster asked the Board to immediately rescind the mask mandate for citizens wishing to participate in public meetings held in the auditorium.
Supervisor Hildy Angius’ motion to that effect drew support from Supervisor Ron Gould but was opposed by the rest of the Board. Angius and Gould have been in the minority of a number of 3-2 board votes to lift the county building mask mandate or end the county declaration of emergency.
Department of Public Health Director Denise Burley said she has seen multiple studies providing conflicting information on the merits of mask use. She said her department will continue backing CDC recommendations encouraging face cover and social distancing.
Citizens can sound off on mask policy during the Thursday board meeting that starts at noon, in the same auditorium of the county administration facility at 700 W. Beale St. in Kingman.
Dave Hawkins
We can blame Mayor Miles first off, she is the mandate mask originator, and lock-downs we can attribute to Gov. Ducey, so the increased suicides, and domestic violence, is the trade off, because Gov. Ducey and Mayor Miles, have to be the all knowing tyrants, and are focused on the almighty $ dollar sign. They have no scientific bases, or any official evidence to support the unconscionable orders of lockdowns and mask mandates, for an unqualified disease that did not warrant a ” state of emergency” Ducey made a huge mistake. Schuster needs to not ask, but tell, cuz he is the highest authority in this county, so board members are his lower on the totem pole, and should do as Sheriff TELLS them to do.