County should define what ‘safe’ will look like

Santa Clara County Executive Jeff Smith, among other things, recently said in an article relating to the 49ers (“Santa Clara County exec snaps back at 49ers, Shanahan over coronavirus sports ban,” Nov. 30), “If leaders want to protect their teams and communities, they should not play anywhere until it is safe.”

He has shared similar sentiment in the broader context of a future return to normality in the county.

While troubled by the county executive’s style of

“in the press” gamesmanship (and a rather quiet Board of Supervisors) on this and other topics, I take greater exception and curiosity in Smith’s choice of terms “until it is safe.”

Smith has a knack for public expression, that’s clear.

As such, please express to the good citizens of Santa Clara County — your employer — your crisp and unambiguous definition of “safe” in the case of organized sports as well as general living conditions in Santa Clara County so we’re all clear on where the goalposts are now set before they move again.

— William Baron

San Jose