County commissioners could show D.C. how it's done

If popular differences can show up any place in the United States, it’s very possible they could show up first in Okanogan County.

Once considered a bellwether county in presidential politics, the county supports a variety of types, from ranchers to escaped urbanites and everything in between. So it’s no surprise that county commissioners in recent discussions have represented the politics of our national Covid angst writ small, right down to the mask-wearing controversy.

It was obvious the three commissioners fit well into distinct cross sections of the populace, with one bowing his neck every time someone mentioned any kind of need for regulatory measures.

So when Okanogan County Health Administrator Lauri Jones publicly pleaded with them last week to make a unified appeal, they had to work at it a little.

It was apparent, however, that working at getting along and compromising, with reason and honest discussion, was not something foreign to the group, even if not easy.

They heeded Jones’ urging, though, and managed to lead with a statement you can read about in this issue. And it didn’t take weeks, just a day, to come together to ask the entire county to work together against the virus.

The best part of their proclamation even manages to inject a little humor: It’s effective until they release a photo of themselves all smiling together without masks.

Maybe they should invite Pelosi and McConnell to one of their Zoom meetings.

Scott Hunter

editor and publisher