Mask Madate Public Comment from Stefanie TaylorFrom:Stefanie Taylor
To:Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL] Mask Madate
Date:Monday, August 3, 2020 3:56:02 PM
Greetings,
I hope this letter finds you well! I am writing to urge you to urge you to choose that masks
remain VOLUNTARY in Flathead County.
I was recently asked by a friend what my personal reasons were for wanting mask-wearing to
be voluntary, and here was my response - Montana has a very low infection rate compared to the
rest of the country (even considering the amount of out of state visitors we have each summer), and the
overall statistics have not proven that this virus is any more deadly than the common cold/flu. Also,
considering the child trafficking information coming to light, I find it difficult to trust someone whose face I
cannot see, nor would I be able to identify them if something were to happen in a public space.
Additionally, I carry a concealed firearm and will not cover my face because of this.
If a person chooses to wear a mask, I don't fault them for it, because I assume they've done their
research and have made the decision that suits them and their family best.
I choose to think that others who've chosen not to wear a mask have done their due diligence as well.
These are the reasons I believe masks should remain voluntary in our state.
For the sake of tonight's meeting, I also want to add that losing the individual liberty of bodily autonomy is
a slippery slope. People who choose not to wear masks are not selfish, DO care about their loved ones,
and have reasons that are, quite frankly, none of anybody else's business. They also should not be
subject to harassment for their decision from "concerned" citizens or county health officials.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend tonight's meeting in-person, but I will be watching, and hope that
you will listen to those on the "unmasked" side of the aisle.
Sincerely,
Stefanie Taylor