Governor getting plenty of advice
With Gov. Brad Little’s March 25 stay-home order set to expire, local business and government leaders voiced to The Press their hopes for the weeks and months to come.
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Dale Nosworthy, who with son Kelly co-owns Nosworthy’s Hall of Fame on Government Way in Coeur d’Alene, has taken the double-whammy as a bar and restaurant owner. He’s in constant contact not just with clients going back to Nosworthy’s opening in 1977, but with many other local business owners.
Here’s how Dale sees it:
“I would think that the governor could look at Idaho like the task force in D.C. is looking at the United States. There are pockets of the country that are hardly affected at all — somewhat similar to Idaho. If you look at the counties in North Idaho, very few cases and no deaths. I think he should unleash areas in Idaho that he feels comfortable with and let the business people who can walk and chew gum at the same time use common sense not just with their employees, but with customers.
“I would also hope that the general public, if sick, would stay home. If you’re healthy, why should you have to stay in a bunker?”
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“I need to thank our emergency service providers and staff at Kootenai Health for everything they are doing. The community has been unbelievable in heeding the advice of CDC and local officials. It is because of everyone’s hard work I believe the governor can start getting Idahoans back to work. Our staff is ready and guests are calling. Service procedures will change, and social distancing is critical. We can begin to open up the economy and still hold in check the local spread of the virus. Essential businesses are proving this today.” — Bill Reagan, president, Coeur d’Alene Resort
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“The idea of a tapered re-entry to normal business activity sounds reasonable, and as long as our public health leadership is in agreement, I personally would be thrilled. Slowing the spread is the ultimate goal. The longer the stay at home order lasts, the longer it will take for our business community to rally back.” — Jamé Davis, president and CEO, Post Falls Chamber of Commerce
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“It has been a difficult time for our business community, and I understand that businesses are ready to re-open, but everyone understands and agrees that public safety comes first.” — Derrell Hartwick, president and CEO, Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce
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“I think it is important for the governor to follow the best scientific recommendations of our public health experts. However, I think he also needs to start putting together a plan that begins to ease the burdens placed upon society and our businesses.” — Idaho Rep. Paul Amador
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“My hope is that the governor incorporates the uniqueness of each community, and the need that creates, to locally manage a return to public activity in any new directives.”
— Coeur d’Alene City Councilmember Kiki Miller
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“I’m happy [Little] will base his decision on sound science, but I am concerned about the path back to normal.” — Former Idaho Sen. John Goedde
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“One of the challenges of this crisis is the unknown. This requires a two-pronged approach. Health care providers are doing their part to prepare for a surge. Members of the community are being asked to stay home and practice social distancing to prevent a surge. So far, the combination of both is proving to be effective. The fact that we are not currently experiencing a surge is a sign of success.” — Kim Anderson, Kootenai Health PIO
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“I hope that Gov. Little extends [the] order so we can continue to flatten the curve and prevent our health care system from being overwhelmed like we’ve seen in other countries and even other states. Most of all, I hope that Little sends the message to Idahoans that this order is to be taken seriously. It’s unfortunate that some of our leaders have prioritized their liberty over the health and safety of all Idahoans.” — Laura Tenneson, Kootenai County Democratic Central Committee chair
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“I hope he opts for caution and discipline and continuing to follow the advice of sound leaders in the medical and science community. Of course we want everything back to normal, but I would hate to have a second wave that could cost lives and restart all over after the sacrifices the community has been making.” — Mike Kennedy, president of Intermax Networks and former Coeur d’Alene City Councilmember
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“We cannot afford to go from nothing to everything overnight or we will erase all of the good work previously done and will see an immediate rise in cases. Any significant rise in cases will force us to go back to severe restrictions and that becomes much more difficult to do. More effort on the front end will result in a return to more normal in time for summer.” — Chris Way, Chief, Kootenai County EMS System
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“We ask that the community continue to remain vigilant. Our relatively low case count does not mean that it is safe to begin congregating in groups and ignore the guidance.” — Lora Whalen, Panhandle Health District director