To Mask or Not to Mask: That is the question! |
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COVID. I am tired of this topic and I just wish we could declare victory over this virus. Unfortunately, COVID is making a comeback and the hospital numbers are becoming a concern again. Standing by my principles of personal freedom/responsibility, let me say once more, the government cannot keep you safe. Some things may help mitigate some risk but they cannot eliminate it. For example, I was very good about washing my hands, wearing a facemask in public, and social distancing but I contracted COVID last year anyway. These strategies may help but they cannot stop viral transmission. So now that the trends are increasing once again, the question I am hearing is: should the government establish mandatory restrictions once again?
Although they are rare, from today’s research, I read that “breakthrough cases” happen in about 1 out of 1,000 immune people. The actual number cited was 0.098% of those fully vaccinated would probably catch the virus again. However, I also understand, the symptoms in a breakthrough case tend to be lighter and less threatening. This data should matter. Since more than half the county population has been fully vaccinated or has antibodies from previous COVID infection, to insinuate these residents have caused the discouraging trendline is misguided.
In fact, reinstated mandatory masking, curfews, gathering limits, and social-distancing rules/laws may actually be counterproductive. As an incentive to becoming vaccinated, the lure of ditching the facemask and returning to normal was very motivating for many people. Now, with the most recent CDC switcheroo, it appears the CDC is slipping back into their broad-brush policy recommendations including mandatory mask policies regardless of each person’s COVID immunity status. They cite the risk of the breakthrough cases as justification for this flip-flop. It is not surprising that people feel frustrated and distrust the wisdom of government.
I do not think it is reasonable for the government to regulate those with immunity to protect those that have chosen to accept risk. Regardless of your choice, I trust you are making informed decisions after weighing the risks and benefits of the free COVID vaccine. Let us be clear: The ‘slow-the-spread’ strategy was never intended to stop the virus. It was only meant to ensure we did not overwhelm the hospitals. If you have not been exposed to the virus yet, you will at some point. It is inevitable.
If you have immunity because you chose to get the shot, then you don’t have much to worry about. If you are choosing to take your chances, when you contract COVID, hopefully you will be like the majority of people with light symptoms and recover from home. But there is a reasonable chance you will need some hospital care. I have several friends right now in the hospitals and in ICU. I also know a few that have succumbed to the virus over the last few weeks. It is noteworthy that nearly 100% of the hospital patients admitted are non-vaccinated people. Considering my own comorbidities, I chose to be vaccinated. Please, choose what is best for you and live with the consequences either way.
Having said all that, I do not think those that have COVID antibodies, whether through viral infection or immunization, should be regulated by the government and forced to carry the burden for those that have decided to pass on the vaccine. The number of ‘breakthrough’ cases does not warrant regulating those with immunity and we should not embrace a mask mandate for the optics because the government does not trust their people to be honest or because it feels compelled to ‘do something’ despite the fact that an educated people have made their choice to accept risk.
COVID continues to be a hugely controversial topic with opinions ranging ‘lockdown’ to ‘hoax’. Please know, I am taking this seriously and I certainly do not want anyone to suffer harm. I want to protect the hospitals of course. Nevertheless, I am still driven by the constitutional principles or personal freedom and responsibility. Let me know what you think.
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Philosophical Differences Can Drive Conflict |
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Surprisingly, there are no qualifications to be a county commissioner other than one must be a resident and registered voter in the district. Obviously, education, experience, and connections to the community are beneficial but those things are not requirements.
Elected officials come from all walks of life and typically have strong opinions about everything. Trust me, whenever five ‘Type-A’ personalities try to negotiate a policy idea, conflict is likely. Making a positive difference is fulfilling but being a leader in a political role is not always fun.
My personal philosophy is that I don’t work FOR the county. It’s actually the opposite; I am YOUR advocate inside county government. If I have to choose between defending county government and advocating for you, I am going to pick you every single time.
Everyone seems to agree that public safety is our number one priority. People naturally assume the public safety system is reliably standing by so if we find ourselves in a terrible situation, we trust that experienced public safety professionals will arrive quickly and perform skillfully. We know they will do everything possible to save lives.
Regrettably, the Sedgwick County EMS system has been falling apart due to poor leadership and contagious low morale, which has caused excessive attrition. Staff shortages then triggered reductions in active ambulances, which lengthened response times, which could arguably affect patient outcomes. That is unacceptable.
After hearing from many EMS staff and studying the data, it became obvious that something had to change. I sounded the alarm but unfortunately the response was to deny, delay, and defend. As the challenges grew into a crisis, the only option was to share the reality of this truth to the public since you are, collectively, my boss.
Some people around me believe a commissioner is just a PR person for the county. They believe it’s wrong to shine light on things that may upset the public or embarrass the county. I respectfully disagree.
Again, I’m here to fight for you, not protect the government. And since public safety is the most important part of government, I did what I felt I had to do and I’d do it again. I believe that you have a right to know the truth. So, while others may have a different philosophy in what our job is as an elected official, I hope you agree with me that we just need to tell the truth and embrace transparency.
Even though this EMS chapter was painful, I am confident the decisions being made now will bring health back to the EMS system.
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Community Meetings with Commissioner Howell |
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District 5 Citizens Advisory Board Meeting
- 4 to 6 p.m.
- August 6, 2021
- Bread of Life, 1301 E. Galena St., Wichita
Bullet Points (Coffee or Soda with Commissioner Howell)
Come and go as desired.
- 4 to 5:30 p.m.
- August 9, 2021
- Range 54, 5725 E Kellogg Dr, Wichita
Cuppa Joe with Jim (Coffee with Commissioner Howell)
Come and go as desired.
- 7 to 9 a.m.
- August 27, 2021
- Calvary Baptist Church, 1636 E Patriot Ave., Derby
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COVID-19 Report for July 30, 2021 |
Comparing case counts from Monday to today:
- The United States of America case count increased from 34,471,145 to 34,771,355 (+ 0.87 percent).
- The State of Kansas case count increased from 328,755 to 332,933 (+ 1.27 percent).
- In Sedgwick County, case counts increased from 50,003 to 50,390 (+ 0.77 percent).
The Sedgwick County Health Department offers no-cost sampling at Sunflower Shelter at Sedgwick County Park, 6501 W. 21st Street. Walk-ins are welcome Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please enter off 13th Street.
The Health Department takes a nasal, oral, or saliva sample to send to a lab for COVID-19 PCR testing. Results are generally available within 18 to 36 hours. The results of the virus test show whether a person has a current infection. This is not an antibody test.
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COVID-19 Vaccination Update |
Sedgwick County Health Department offers the Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson (J&J) vaccine at multiple locations across Sedgwick County. The Pfizer vaccine is available to people age 12 and older; the J&J vaccine is available to people age 18 or older.
The Health Department offers the following no-cost, walk-in vaccine clinic options:
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Main Vaccine Clinic at the former Wichita Public Library | 223 S. Main, Wichita, KS 67202
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Mobile Clinics are offered by SCHD staff
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Partner Clinics are offered by community partners and assisted by SCHD staff. Appointments preferred but walk-ins are welcome
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Event Clinics are where SCHD offers vaccine during an event. Businesses planning events can contact SCHD by email at SCHDCovidVaccine@sedgwick.gov
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2022 Budget Adoption Set for August 25 |
The 2022 Recommended Budget focuses on appropriate compensation for employees throughout the organization as well as adding resources for increases in the cost of doing business and continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Recommended Budget totals $462,548,517 for Sedgwick County Government and $21,095,559 for Sedgwick County Fire District 1. Together, the full Budget totals $483,644,076.
Residents will be able to offer feedback on the Recommended Budget through an online public forum at www.sedgwickcounty.org now through 5 p.m. on August 24. A final public hearing is planned for 9 a.m. on August 25.
Budget adoption is scheduled for the Board of County Commissioners regular meeting at 9 a.m. on August 25.
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Election Commissioner Named |
Angela Caudillo was sworn in as Sedgwick County Election Commissioner on July 20. She began work immediately following her oath. |
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Primary Elections Details |
The Primary Election is Tuesday, August 2.
You can vote early at the Sedgwick County Election Office (510 N. Main, Ste. 101) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. now through Monday, August 2. Early voting in the Election Office ends at noon on August 2.
Additional early voting locations will be available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 29 and Friday, July 30 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 31.
Polls will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, August 3, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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The Kansas Food Bank, Table of Hope, Greater Wichita YMCA - South Campus and the Health and Wellness Coalition are partnering with Partnering for a Healthier America to provide nutritious foods to families in Wichita. Call 316-265-3663 or 316-776-8171 to sign up today. |
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Public Works Projects in District 5 |
Bridge Replacements on 71st between Old Spring Road and Greenwich
- Closed to traffic during construction
- Work began November 30, 2020
- Project includes the replacement of two bridges.
- Expected to reopen in September
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316-660-9300
525 N. Main, Ste 320, Wichita, KS 67203
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Connect with Sedgwick County |
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