Novel coronavirus

Lundy spoke on the affects that the novel coronavirus has had on the county thus far.

The spread of COVID-19 should not be an excuse not to vote during the March 17 primary election, as absentee ballots and early voting still is available, he said.

“It’s important in our democracy for everybody to get out and vote and to make sure their voice is heard,” Lundy said.

He said he also spoke with Lorain County Board of Elections director Paul Adams on March 10 and the morning of March 11 regarding the change of voting locations, per recommendations made by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose.

Lundy said the Board of Elections is in the process of finding alternative locations for polling areas that previously would have been in senior residential facilities.

“He’s (Adams) got a lot of things under control,” Lundy said. “It looks like they’re going to end up merging with a lot of existing polling locations; they have the room to do that.”

With major events be canceled or participation limited, like the Elyria Catholic High School basketball’s participation in the state tournament, precautions need to be made, despite the public’s disappointment, he said.

“It’s part of an important sacrifice I think that we all need to make and understand that the best thing we can do is slow down the spread of the virus, and hopefully, in the process, save some lives,” Lundy said.

In working with health commissioner Dave Covell, Lundy said the county’s in good hands as long as the public follows precautions from health authorities.

Employers not providing employees paid sick leave provides another issue in containing COVID-19, he said.

Going to work sick negatively impacts the single parent and work environment, which is why residents should urge legislators to take action to implement paid sick leave, Lundy said.

“It’s important for the people of Ohio to know, and probably in Lorain County, that there are some people that are going to get sick that are going to end up going to work because their employer doesn’t provide them with paid sick days and they can’t afford to lose a day’s pay,” he said.

“It just gets to be a little bit frustrating when you’re in government and you run into sometimes, these frivolous legal matters. They end up costing taxpayers money.” — lorain County Commissioner Matt Lundy