Lead by example

Asa small business owner who believed our state representatives would do whatever they could to help their constituents through this pandemic, itwas with great dismay, disappointment and disgust that I watched them stroll into their window less chambers today for their swearing-in, and lost count of how many were not wearing masks. They are sitting much closer together than six feet aswell. As we watch the COVID-19 case numbers begin to rise throughout the state, worry what the winter will bring andwhether it will be the final nail in the coffins of many small businesses, I was stunned at the blatant elitism on display. These elected officials had rapid tests: a luxury neither the students, nor the faculty at my dance studio have before plugging along for another roundof intense classes in masks. I hope voters remember this next time these legislators come around asking for your support. If they truly cared about youor your business, they would learn from former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, whosaid after his stay in the ICU sick with COVID-19, “I hope that my experience shows my fellow citizens that you should follow CDC guidelines in public no matter where youare and wear a mask to protect yourself and others.” At the very least, I expect these legislators to set an example for the students across the state who spend most of their day in masks. To not do so is simply unacceptable.

Suzanne Citere, Lighthouse Point