In this article, I am sharing my candid experiences of being mayor during the COVID-19 pandemic in the hope that I can encourage everyone to recognize that even though many of us have different opinions, we need to try to remember that we are all in this together.
We need to be kind to each other and accept that there are no perfect answers — no easy answers — and that this long winter will require patience, understanding and acceptance of the difficult and imperfect world we find ourselves in.
Let me start by saying this has been the greatest professional challenge of my life. It is, at times, hard to stay positive and it is definitely hard not to feel frustrated and even despondent at times. At other times I feel very optimistic, and frequently I feel proud and inspired by the actions of the people in our community and their efforts to help others.
I think many of us have mixed emotions during this difficult time. Let’s face it, this is a roller-coaster we are on — but we are on it together. The challenge is we all have very different ideas of how we should ride this roller-coaster. Some people want us to take every precaution possible even if it impacts the economy and local businesses. Others feel that most public health measures are too much and the economy should be the priority.
These are hard decisions and I want to share that I am not certain that every position I take or every measure I support is correct — I believe it is, but I am not certain. The reality is we haven't experienced anything like this pandemic in recent history, so it's impossible to be certain that every decision we make is right.
Some days I think we are not being cautious enough and other days I think we are being too restrictive. I share this with you honestly in the hope that everyone will be less certain and perhaps more accepting of different opinions. I also hope that everyone will realize and accept that those of us making the decisions are not perfect. We are trying very hard to find a balance and find a way to contain the virus, while inflicting as little harm on the economy as possible. If you think we have it wrong, I hope in the very least you will realize how darn hard it is trying to get it right.
In closing, this year will be a very different holiday season. Please remember to stay positive and follow all public health regulations as we celebrate in a new and different way.
I wish you and your family a very safe and happy holidays and together we will get through this and on to a better 2021.
