Tensions rise over coronavirus comments

NORRISTOWN » A decision not to distribute roughly 59,000 flags to organizations for upcoming holidays honoring fallen veterans brought elected leaders’ emotions to the surface during Thursday morning’s Montgomery County Commissioners meeting.

“Frankly, I’m embarrassed that they don’t have that opportunity,” said Commissioner Joe Gale during his opening comments in reference to veterans’ and flag tributes for Memorial Day.

Republican Gale was the sole commissioner in favor of allowing the annual flag distribution, but he said he “was outnumbered two-to-one” in the decision that was announced during a press conference Wednesday at the Montgomery County Emergency Operation Center.

Commissioner Ken Lawrence Jr., a Democrat, said Thursday that “this is not about any disrespect whatsoever for our veterans.”

Lawrence cited health and safety concerns for handing out large quantities of flags to various community groups while a stay-at-home order remains in effect.

“The decision not to distribute the flags for Memorial Day was made in the interest of public health, and I just want to be clear these flags will be distributed,” Lawrence said, referring to the decision for a later distribution.

Lawrence recalled a phrase that “all gave some and some gave all,” which he said helps to pay tribute to the fallen heroes nationally and locally here in Montgomery County.

“...One of the ways that we can recognize and honor their sacrifice is to protect the living,” Lawrence said. “This has been a very difficult nine weeks for everyone in our community.”

Commissioners’ Chairwoman Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, a Democrat, acknowledged the difficult period as cases of the novel coronavirus climb and the death toll mounts. According to the county’s COVID-19 resources website, there have been 4,839 cases and 393 deaths associated with COVID-19 in Montgomery County since March 7.

“My pledge to you is just as this county has been with you through these last nine weeks working to keep everybody safe, we are going to be with you through the recovery as well,” Arkoosh said. “This recovery is going to take time, particularly for our economy.”

The COVID-19 pandemic’s financial impact was a top issue for Gale Thursday morning. Gov. Tom Wolf directed that many nonessential businesses close in March in order to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus. As Pennsylvania’s governor rolled out plans to revive these enterprises, it appeared Montgomery County was not quite ready yet.

“We should be relaxing these restrictions and reopening our county at this point because we see an adverse effect of the shutdown and a lockdown on our residents,” Gale said. “It has crushed the economy.”

Gale added that he’s been contacted by his constituents about several matters including the flag debacle and how much of the local economy is at an effective standstill.

“I hear from so many residents across the county that are facing these challenging times, and struggles, and I want them to know that I hear you,” Gale said. “I will do my best to be a voice for you and push that Montgomery County now start leaning in the direction of reopening and ending our lockdown.”

Lawrence also recognized the troubles facing his constituents as a result of the pandemic.

“People have lost jobs, people have lost businesses, and we hear from them as well, and we recognize your pain,” Lawrence said.

Whether it’s the turbulent economic situation or the matter surrounding traditionally honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, Lawrence stressed the importance of staying united.

“I honor our veterans. I am sorry. I am truly sorry for those who it’s important to do this at this time, but everyone in our community has suffered,” Lawrence said. “We are all in this together. We need to come together and stay together and we can’t let ourselves get divided by issues like this.”