Communication: facts, plans, probitions, permitted is what Jefferson County needs now.
The best communicator: Port of Port Townsend’s (which really covers Jefferson County) Eron Berg. They pay for an ad in The Leader and everyone can subscribe to their newsletter, Port Outreach, at info@portofpt.com. They give a very detailed plan for reopening the port under COVID-19 guideline, for tenants, boaters and the public, and then for good measure, provide all sorts of other helpful sites t0 assist port tenants and the rest of us during these difficult times.
I challenge Jefferson Healthcare, Jefferson County government, Jefferson Transit, Jefferson PUD, the City of Port Townsend, Main Street program and any other government-funded organization to match the port with an equally useful and thoughtful communication plan.
I commend whomever created the list of restaurants that preparing takeout food, together with their phone number and menu. I added it to the main page of my computer. Would someone please make a similar list for all the businesses that are open (because they are essential, apparently) together with their hours and adjustments to their business and expectation of customers to comply with COVID-19?
Given problems elsewhere: What are Jefferson County’s unemployment figures? Fortunately, the paper mill is an essential business and has stayed open. How is it protected/tested for COVID-19? We have a number of care, assisted living and retirement homes. Are they being protected/tested for COVID-19?
Lastly, praise to Ron Allen of S’Klallam Tribe for the offer to partner with Jefferson and Clallam Counties in last week’s Leader. Let’s add the rest of the sovereign tribes within these county borders as partners in finding the solutions to COVID-19.
Joan Best
Port Townsend
