Tonight's meeting Public Comment from Paige RappleyeFrom:The Rappleyes
To:Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL] Tonight"s meeting
Date:Monday, August 3, 2020 11:44:37 AM
I did not feel safe making a public comment in person because of people violating the mask
mandate, see attached screenshot.
My name is Paige Rappleye. I live at 357 5th Ave EN, Kalispell. I am a mother, caretaker &former patient care coordinator at a local family practice.
I am speaking up today because I am concerned about the students & teachers in our
community. I am choosing the remote schooling option for my 4th grader for thesame reasons. Until there is a SAFE treatment & vaccination for COVID-19 I cannot imagine
exposing my daughter to people not taking this virus seriously (&/or their children) on a dailybasis. We also care for my elderly in-laws & am attempting to reduce their exposure as well.
This brings me to my main concern today. The Flathead County Fair. I cannot understand the
fair board's decision to continue their plan to have the fair as per usual this year. I understandthat they are concerned about 4h & other AG-oriented folks who have been working since
last year on this year's entries. It seems like these judged events can still occur in small groupswithout having the entire grounds open to the public. It is irresponsible, however to have the
carnival games & rides & vendors present & allow everyone entry the week prior to schoolopening. How is it possible to reopen in-classroom instruction across the region the week after
a huge gathering where it is impossible to maintain proper distancing & sanitation safely?
We will see large outbreaks.
Our numbers will go up.
Children will carry the virus into the schools & infect those of us they come in contact with,including our amazing teachers & staff who are risking their lives to go back in the first place.
I understand that there are people trying to tell you that the virus is a hoax. There are people
who believe that face coverings give no protection. My question to you is, do you want anoutbreak on your conscience if they are wrong & scientists who have studied infectious
diseases their entire professional careers are correct.
Thank you in advance for doing your part to protect your constituents.
Paige Rappleye
excuse my typos, sending this email from my mobile. ♀