Franklin County Commissioner Didier undermines Tri-Cities COVID progress | Editorial

Franklin County Commissioner Clint Didier’s blatant disregard for Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-home order is hurting the Tri-Cities.

In order to move out of Phase 1 of the state’s emergency rules, the community must demonstrate it is doing everything it can to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

As an elected leader and a member of the Benton Franklin Health District Board, Didier should embrace that effort.

Instead, he is undermining it.

On Wednesday, he called for all Franklin County business owners to protest the governor’s emergency order and open their doors, regardless of state rules. He suggested they risk their business licenses in order to make a statement against Inslee’s power.

He also voted against the county application to move out of Phase 1 because he opposed the possible hiring of more health district employees.

Franklin County Commissioners Bob Koch and Brad Peck fortunately supported the document, but Didier was upset that the new hires would help with contact tracing, and that people who test positive for COVID-19 would be quarantined for 14 days.

And last week, he organized a GOP “farm hall” for Republican gubernatorial candidates that attracted about 300 people to an empty potato shed in Eltopia.

Judging by the photos, attendees were packed in close and the majority were not wearing masks. Clearly, the gathering was in violation of social distancing guidelines.

We understand many people agree with Didier and believe the state stay-home order violates Constitutional rights.

But think of it this way: The Declaration of Independence lists life as an unalienable right.

The coronavirus can take life away — perhaps not yours, but someone else’s. People can be carriers of the disease and show no symptoms. They could be a spreader and not realize it.

The state’s effort to curb the infection rate is not about controlling people’s lives. It is an attempt to reduce death and keep our hospitals from being overrun.

If Didier truly wants to help Franklin County — and we know he does — he must rein in his brazen defiance of social distancing efforts.

Tri-City elected leaders have been working furiously to prepare the paperwork needed to move out of the state’s Phase 1 stay-home order, and we hope it’s successful.

Although the number of Tri-Citians infected with the coronavirus continues to spike in Benton and Franklin counties, officials are hopeful the state’s revamped criteria will allow the community to at least open hair salons, and allow for more cautious shopping and dining options.

Benton and Franklin counties are among five counties of 39 still stuck in Phase 1. Over the weekend the Tri-Cities saw confirmed COVID-19 cases explode, hitting a record 83 new cases in one day.

But under the Safe Start plan that began June 1, counties can be approved to move to Phase 2 even if they don’t meet targets. However, they must convince the state they can safely reopen.

As a community, we need to make a stronger effort to wear masks and to follow social distancing. Too many Tri-Citians have become complacent about the safety rules, while others — like Didier — are obstinate.

One reader recently sent this note to our news tip line:

“Why is the Herald not calling out Tri-Cities leadership, city, county etc… about their lack of leadership and visibility and response to covid? More and more cases because people, businesses not following guidelines. ... Why aren’t our city leaders advocating … trying to obtain more testing … have a distance campaign … encouragement? Nothing. I will be voting all of them out.”

When it comes to the idea of jump-starting the economy, elected officials wasted no time in pursuing the state application that would move Benton and Franklin counties out of Phase 1.

But when it comes to doing all the small things necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus, we haven’t seen as much enthusiasm.

It’s time our local, elected leaders actively promote wearing masks and following social distancing rules.

And Didier needs to start showing the same concern for public health as he does for civil liberties.

This story was originally published June 10, 2020 at 12:53 PM.