Disagrees about ‘essential,’ but likes the leadership
Editor’s note: This letter was address to Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian.
To the Editor:
Again, I realize these are trying times, but you use the term “essential destinations.” Do you define new construction ongoing in Ocean City as “essential destinations” at this point? We, of course, know new construction is a major part of the booming tax ratables of this city as you report in the State of the City Address. It more so contributes these days to tourist industry (including amusement section). But where does it fit in essential in this medical dilemma?
You call recent comments as “divisiveness” and “[irresponsible].” I assume you are referring to Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton. Yet aren’t the influx of “visitors,” whether tourists or second-home owners, actually violating your guidance of “essential destinations”? Isn’t it part of the strategy of the New York, New Jersey, Connectcut agreement – same rules and guidelines across boundaries to avoid “loopholes” like “jumping next door” to paraphrase New York Gov. Cuomo? Doesn’t that fit New Jersey-Pennsylvania or county to county?
I believe the medical infrastructure of Cape May County and nearby Atlantic County will be threatened at this time as Freeholder Thornton suggests. One can draw conclusions about the spread by travel and some of the metropolitan centers near us. No, this is not my phobia, but common sense as expressed in all the medical guidance.
So I have to take issue with some of your views here. I believe we have a significant enough population of aged like myself and those with frailty to be concerned as Freeholder Thornton suggests. Would think Freeholder E. Marie Hayes and the others can perhaps see this point.
But I can thank you for taking a stand and exhibiting some leadership despite my partial disagreement with it.
Robert B. Forman
Major, USAF Retired