Loading...
051120 Special MeetingMay 11, 2020 The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in special session at 6:00 p.m. in the 1909 Randolph County Historic Courthouse Meeting Room, 145 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC. Chairman Darrell Frye, Vice -Chairman David Allen, Commissioner Kenny Kidd, Commissioner Maxton McDowell, and Commissioner Hope Haywood were present. Also present were County Manager Hal Johnson, Finance Officer Will Massie, County Attorney Ben Morgan, and Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco. Chairman Darrell Frye gave the invocation and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Required social distancing was maintained throughout the meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chairmen Frye opened the meeting and explained that the Board would be addressing the May Stn Executive Order 138 of the Governor to begin Phase I of the reopening plan for COVID-19. In particular, the Board would be discussing the limitations on churches and small businesses that remain closed in Phase I. He referenced two Resolutions; one was a Resolution drafted by Chairman Frye sent from the County Manager's Office and the other Resolution from the previous week drafted by Commissioner Kidd. Public Comment Period The public was not in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor's Executive Order 138. The meeting was instead livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-52.1, citizens were given an opportunity to submit Public Comments prior to the meeting. County Manager Hal Johnson said there have been more comments received on this subject than any other he can remember. There were a total of 267 comments; 124 in support of reopening Randolph County, 118 opposed to reopening Randolph County, and 25 thanking the Board for allowing prayer at the courthouse on a prior Sunday. Comment totals include those of May 4th and this meeting. Comments from the previous meeting are attached to the May 4, 2020 minutes. Comments received after May 4th 3:30 pm through May 11th at 3:00 p.m. are combined in Attachment A following these minutes. With the volume of comments received, Mr. Johnson gave a summary of these comments as follows: Those citizens who are in support of the Resolution being presented at tonight's meeting and are in favor of reopening the county generally include several repetitive themes in their comments. These themes include support of small business, religious freedom, and limiting state power over local government. Those citizens who oppose tonight's resolution and are in favor of remaining under the Governor's "Stay at Home" order also have several of the same ideas appearing in their comments. These comments include concern for the more vulnerable populations, the need to slow or stop the spread of the virus to prevent a spike of cases, and concern that other citizens in the county are not currently following safety protocols, such as wearing a mask, and that will get worse if the county is reopened. Commissioner Kidd asked Mr. Johnson to read a letter from District Attorney Andy Gregson which will follow these minutes as Attachment B. 5/11/20 Discussion Commissioner Haywood commented on District Attorney Gregson's letter. She did not agree with his desire to fully open up the county based on recommendations from Dr. Mandy Cohen, NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Director, Randolph County Public Health, and by the medical community that citizens need to continue to socially distance by staying at least six feet apart and by being in close contact with others for no more than ten minutes. She said she believed churches see that the "neighbor" is the community. They realize that not congregating in a building is protecting the community. She does not believe that sitting in church for longer than ten minutes is equal to shopping in a big box store where you are moving and not in contact with someone for longer than ten minutes. Bars and restaurants are still restricted to take-out because people are there for more than ten minutes. Doctor Rogers, Pastor of First Baptist Church Asheboro, has guidance from the GA Baptist Convention to give direction to churches for opening during this pandemic. She continued by saying she cannot question the Governor. Quarantines have been going on since Colonial times. This has occurred throughout history and has been considered a proper health emergency measure. She reiterated that she would not go against the authority of the Governor. The Federal government does not have the power to do that. She might consider a document that is asking the Governor to change some of the orders. Chairman Frye asked if Commissioner Haywood was using the term "quarantine" as an equivalent to the stay-at-home orders. She agreed that she was. Commissioner Kidd said a quarantine during an epidemic is different than what the Governor has done. He has quarantined everyone sick or not. Quarantines had been used to keep the sick in one place so they wouldn't infect others. The Governor has criminalized everyone. Some small business owners are allowed to operate while others are not. This has not been equal treatment for everyone. Chairman Frye stated that the reason the Board is here tonight is to discuss the right for citizens to worship and the opening of small businesses that remain closed due to the Governor's orders. Commissioner Allen asked which resolution the Board is actually looking at. There was a new resolution sent in the afternoon before this meeting, then a different resolution was revised and sent before 5pm. He doesn't know which resolution is actually being considered. Because of the volume of public comments, he cannot hear those either. He is disappointed in the process. He thought if the Governor relaxed restrictions, there would not be a need to have a meeting. He said the citizens have been commenting on the Resolution in the packet. Now there are two more resolutions the public has not seen. Chairman Frye said one resolution had come around 5pm today from Commissioner Kidd. The other was sent earlier in the afternoon from the County Manager's office. Commissioner Kidd agreed that the resolution in the packet is the one the citizens are commenting on. 5/11/20 Chairman Frye stated that the two newest resolutions are addressing the same issues. The Board is asking the Governor to loosen some restrictions. This Board has no authority to override the Governor's orders. Local governments making 100 different rules would be extremely confusing. Citizens live in Randolph County but work in another county. He referenced a pastor that lives in Ramseur but pastors a church in High Point. He feels the big box stores have no care for social distancing. He asked the Board if they want to request that the Governor open churches or give that authority to Randolph County Commissioners to make the decision. Commissioner Allen said the example resolutions in the packet come from counties that have fewer cases of COVID-19. Randolph County is not doing better than most counties. He did not think it was equitable to decide on resolutions that have just come in. Many public comments just came in this afternoon. It is not fair to ask the Board to make a decision without all the information. Commissioner Kidd said the resolution in the packet was the one that the public commented on. He stated that the Chairman presented another resolution during the afternoon so he presented a compromise to his resolution. Chairman Frye stated that he tried to condense the resolution to ask for churches and small businesses to reopen. He clarified that it was stated the Board would wait until the Governor's restrictions changed to send anything. Commissioner Allen referred to the example resolutions in the packet. He said one resolution wanted a regional approach, two wanted to reopen with restrictions, two wanted to reopen rural counties, and eight wanted local control. Most did not address reopening churches. Commissioner Haywood commented that no other counties had challenged the Governor's orders in their resolutions. Commissioner Kidd said the Beaufort County Resolution had a bit of a challenge to the Governor but it wasn't in the packet. He made a motion to approve the compromise resolution sent that afternoon around 5 pm. Chairman Frye asked for a second and, not hearing one, stated the motion died. Commissioner Kidd made a motion to approve the Resolution in the packet. Chairman Frye asked for a second and, not hearing one stated, the motion died. He made a motion to accept the resolution he had sent from the Manager's office and asked for a second. Commissioner McDowell seconded. Commissioner Kidd asked the Chairman if he would accept amendments to his resolution. Commissioner Allen commented on the Chairman's resolution and stated that the reference to big box stores was a personal observation and he did not think it should be included. Also, there was nothing to quantify that store sales had increased. 5/11/20 Commissioner Kidd said from a legal standpoint, he would rather say large retailers. Commissioner Haywood stated that she didn't think the big box reference was needed at all. "Churches in Randolph County have been exemplary in observing all the social distancing and mass gathering restrictions, exercise of proper hygiene and sanitizing under COVID-19 rules." We cannot say they have exercised proper hygiene and sanitizing because we have not witnessed it. Commissioner Kidd said he didn't like naming retailers but stated that it points out the inequity of the Governor's order. Commissioner Allen said it was not a neutral statement, it was biased. Commissioner Haywood said she did like "They have demonstrated a genuine concern for the wellbeing of their parishioners." Commissioner Allen asked where the 5.5 million number had come from in reference to unemployment. Chairman Frye responded that it came from a newscast. He asked if it would more appropriate to say nationally? Commissioner Haywood pointed out that this resolution is from Randolph County. Commissioner Allen asked for the word "most" to be removed from the sentence about unemployment. Commissioner Haywood suggested "have experienced difficulty in obtaining unemployment benefits...." Chairman Frye read "Whereas, the restaurant industry has experienced over 5.5 million unemployment claims nationally..." Commissioner Haywood restated that it needs to be from Randolph County. Commissioner Allen asked about the fourth whereas statement. "Whereas, Phase I does not address the reopening of churches in North Carolina." He said Phase I does address the reopening of churches in North Carolina. Commissioner Haywood had seen the press conference with Dr. Cohen that day and understood that outside activity was safer than inside activity. Services can be held outside maybe even under a tent. For bad weather, people can be in smaller rooms with smaller groups in the building. It doesn't address the full opening that we would like to see. Commissioner Allen referred to Executive Order 138 Section 2A(7)- "To worship or exercise First Amendment rights- People may leave their homes to travel to and from a place of worship or 5/11/20 exercise any other rights protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and its North Carolina counterpart." He then referenced Section 6A -Mass Gathering Prohibitions -"Mass gatherings do not include gathering for health and safety, to look for or obtain goods and services, for work, for worship, or exercise of First Amendment rights, or for receiving governmental services." It also talks about gatherings outside. Commissioner Kidd commented, `But then it takes it away in Section 6C." Commissioner Allen clarified that if meeting outside is "impossible." Commissioner Haywood suggested "does not address the complete reopening..." Chairman Frye repeated "does not address the complete reopening of churches..." Commissioner McDowell asked that the whole sentence be read aloud. Chairman Frye read "Phase I does not address the complete reopening of churches in North Carolina. We believe this oversight should be addressed in the short term as we believe the citizens have a constitutional and inalienable right to worship;" Commissioner Kidd asked if the Constitutional right to worship should stay in the sentence. Chairman Frye responded, "It's staying in there." Commissioner Kidd said he had a problem with the first whereas phrase that says "Randolph County supports Governor Cooper's order to implement Phase I of the Re -Opening Plan for North Carolina." He does not want to praise the Governor for letting him have his constitutional rights back which the Governor took illegally in the first place. Chairman Frye said "It's better than nothing." Commissioner Kidd replied that this resolution was better than nothing. He asked if it could say, "We support the states actions in the COVID-19 response." He has trouble saying he supports Governor Cooper's unconstitutional orders. Chairman Frye read aloud "Whereas, Randolph County supports implementation of Phase I of the Re -Opening Plan for North Carolina relative to issues brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Closed businesses and unemployed residents welcome the opportunity to return to work. It is a first step in jumpstarting our economy;" Commissioner McDowell said he liked it. Commissioner Allen asked if the whereas phrases were completed. Commissioner Kidd asked why should it say "under the Phase I orders" at the end since we are in Phase I. 5/11/20 Chairman Frye said use the Reopening Plan like at the beginning. Commissioner Haywood recommended "immediately consider reopening." Chairman Frye read aloud "Randolph County Board of Commissioners requests that Governor Cooper immediately include the opening of churches under the Phase I orders or allow Randolph County Commissioners to reopen houses of worship in a safe and responsible manner." Commissioner Allen asked what the Chairman's definition of opening was. He stated there are many denominations and resources still recommending virtual worship. Chairman Frye said it is not to say they cannot have virtual services. Reopening churches would be going back to normal worship services in the church building. Commissioner Allen stated Commissioner Haywood's previous comments about six foot distancing for less than ten minutes at a time. In a church, you are sitting for around an hour. We can't compare churches with retail stores. Chairman Frye responded that the resolution says "comparable numbers allowed for any business." to. Commissioner Kidd stated this is unconstitutional not to let people worship the way they want Commissioner Allen responded that the courts have not said it is unconstitutional. Commissioner Kidd replied that a Federal court judge said it was unconstitutional. He added that he was fine to be the only Commissioner to vote for the Constitution. He stated the Board was only worried about offending the governor. Commissioner Haywood interjected that the Board was worried about the health and safety of the citizens. She said this resolution has become a political ploy. She asked if a large outbreak occurred in a certain area, was that area going to have different rules. Chairman Frye responded that the church will take that responsibility. Commissioner Kidd suggested that the last phrase of the resolution say businesses in Phase II so no one is excluded. Commissioner McDowell agreed. Commissioner Haywood asked for clarification and stated the resolution talks about restaurants and other small businesses but then the Board only asks the Governor to open churches then proceed with Phase II. On motion ofFrye, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted unanimously to approve the amended Resolution to Request that Governor Cooper Include the Opening of Churches under Phase I Orders, as follows: 5/11/20 RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT GOVERNOR COOPER INCLUDE THE OPENING OF CHURCHES UNDER PHASE I ORDERS WHEREAS, Randolph County supports implementation ofPhase I of the Reopening Plan for North Carolina relative to issues brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Closed businesses and unemployed residents welcome the opportunity to return to work. It is a first step in jumpstarting our economy; and WHEREAS, some businesses never closed during the Stay at Home orders and actually saw increases in their store sales. The small business owner has suffered significant loss and some have already announced they will not reopen; and WHEREAS, the restaurant industry has experienced high numbers of unemployed workers and they have experienced difficulty in securing unemployment benefits; and WHEREAS, Phase I does not address the complete reopening of churches in North Carolina. We believe this oversight should be addressed in the short term as we believe the citizens have a constitutional and inalienable right to worship; and WHEREAS, the spiritual health of our citizens is just as important, or even more important, as their physical health as we deal with this pandemic in our county; and WHEREAS, the process of prayer and worship is the source of our faith and hope that we will overcome this pandemic and return to a more normal lifestyle; and WHEREAS, churches in Randolph County have been exemplary in observing all the social distancing and mass gathering restrictions under COVID-19 rules. They have demonstrated a genuine concern for the well-being of their parishioners; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners requests that Governor Cooper immediately inchide the opening of churches under the Phase I Reopening Plan or allow Randolph County Commissioners to reopen houses of worship in a safe and responsible manner. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the churches will reopen in a safe and responsible manner taking into account all the protocols for opening of business. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the size of church gatherings shall not be any less than the comparable number allowed for any business. FINALLYRESOLVED that we ask that Governor Cooper to proceed with the plans for the reopening of the state under the Phase II Plan as soon as possible, or allow Randolph County to open restaurants and businesses remaining in Section 5.A.B of Executive Order 138 in accordance with all safety protocols in place. Commissioner Allen moved to adjourn. 5/11/20 Commissioner Kidd said he was glad something passed tonight to make a statement for the constituents. His yes vote was with a lot of hesitation. The resolution was "watered down" and careful not to offend the Governor or say his actions were unconstitutional even though they were. Chairman Frye said the constitutional rights were addressed to worship. Commissioner Haywood stated to be careful so we don't lose our liberties. Chairman Frye said some have had their liberties, churches have not. Commissioner Allen stated that the Board needed to stick together during these times. Adjournment At 7:31, on motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn. Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen Kenny Kidd Hope Haywood Maxton McDowell Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board 5/11/20 Attachment A Being someone who is concerned with the effects we will have to bear if the economy stays shutdown is urging you to reopen Randolph County. It's time to get back to work! ! ! Taylor Brady Dear Randolph County Commissioners, Thank you so much for allowing the courthouse prayer service last night. I had the opportunity to help park cars, and I could see the faces of the people during the service. I saw how their countenances changed from the time they arrived until they left and it was as if their spirits had been lifted. I also want to thank you for what you do to keep the citizens of Randolph County safe. While I believe you have done due diligence by following the Governor's Orders, I believe that enough is enough. It saddens me to see some small businesses having to close due these same orders. In Randolph County we have seen less than one percent of the population being affected by COVID-19. This does not constitute the extreme measures that have been taken that are impacting our economy and people. Again, thank you once again for what you do for RandolphCounty. Blessings, Danielle Byerly I just want to thank the County Commissioners for allowing us to meet for prayer at the Courthouse Sunday evening. We do appreciate it. We prayed specifically for you all that you would turn humbly to God and receive His wisdom. I would ask that you make a decision to open Randolph County back up immediately so that our brothers and sisters can reopen their businesses and return to their jobs as a means to provide for their families. Thank you for your service to Randolph County. I pray you are Blessed. Sincerely, Cindy Hudson Reopen immediately Jonathan Jones Thank you so much for allowing the community prayer last night at the court house. It is very much appreciated. I am praying for us to be able to open businesses, churches etc soon. Thank you again and may God bless each of you. Sherrie Parks Randolph County leaders and commissioners, 1. Stand with the citizens of this county to allow people to return to work, a constitutional right. Ask them to go on record in their Monday meeting on May 4 to send a resolution to Governor Cooper that Randolph county needs to go back to work. 2. Stand with the churches of Randolph county as we seek to exercise our constitutional right to worship. It is important especially on the local level to begin to return to worship and work. Please address the email to all five county commissioners so that all receive it. Jessica Serva Hello, I know you're probably swamped in corona information, so I'll try to be brief. First: Please encourage the health department to update their information releases to align more closely with state guidance. Releasing total number of cases was understandable when we did not know as much about the virus. Now that the state's response has been updated, please update county methods as well. Important information needs to include total tests as well as positives, number hospitalized, and number of deaths. Providing relevant and accurate information is important to both public trust and businesses as they make post'stay at home' decisions. Second: All whole population studies that have been done in the US and abroad prove that this virus isn't nearly as deadly as we were told. All of them, even in NY, put the mortality rate well below 1%. Many people also have been given the incorrect impression that staying at home will somehow "beat" the virus. It will not. There is no evidence that it will. There is some evidence that it slows the spread, but this is in no way a long term solution. I'm hearing from medical professionals that overcrowded hospitals are no longer a concern (which was what the stay at home order was designed to prevent). Eliminating demand for medical care is detrimental to the quality of care the county has access to, just as overburdening it would have been. Not to mention the people with other conditions who have neglected necessary care because it was inaccessible or they were scared over the past 6+ weeks. Third: Please advocate for our businesses. Encourage the state to either release the scientific evidence they say they have that necessitates a whole state shelter in place OR update their methods to align more closely with the information that is available to the public. For example, prison stats show 70% to over 90% of those who test positive for the virus NEVER having symptoms. NC's mortality statistics show that the elderly at a much higher risk, and people under 60 at minimal risk. If the state would release comorbidity information, the statistics would be even more clear as to who is at risk. Please push for this information. In this way, orders could be more calculated and helpful. Blanket orders do not accurately advise the at risk population, and in some cases give a false sense of felt safety, actually putting them at increased risk. They also, obviously, harmful to mental health, the economy, our healthcare system, and society at large - social distancing has a human cost too. I'm sure you are busy, so I will limit myself to these short thoughts. Please be a leader in our state transitioning out of crisis/panic mode and into wise, responsible, and sustainable management. 5/11/20 Thanks for your time, Mary Simard Thank you for letting us have prayer Sunday evening. As a older person I see the desperation in the younger family's needing to get back to work. They need to have that income in order to feel useful in today's world. Please consider opening up the county so we all can make some cents out of what is going on. Thank you James Vittie Thank you for allowing us as a County to come together in prayer! As it is my desire to get things opened back up I also understand the concern. Thank you for doing what you think is best for everyone in this situation. Let's continue to keep our ears and hearts open to God to get things rolling again! Best regards, Shekinah Fonville Dear Randolph County Commissioners, First and foremost I would like to express my genuine gratitude toward you for opening the courthouse for prayer on, May, 4th 2020. It was a wonderful time and I believe it will help the course of Randolph County coming back together! Also, as a resident of randolph county I would like to see our restaurants, salons and small business opening up as soon as possible. I understand that necessary precautions were being taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19. It is my understating that as of now Randolph County is not any immediate danger of the virus spread as the media has try to portray. Please remember that a thriving community is hedged on thriving families and business. With much regard, Hervenly Jean Dear County Commissioners I would like To take a moment to thank you for Allowing our community to have the prayer service on Sunday night. I believe the Lord heard our cry and will watch over our county. I would also like to take this moment to let you know that I believe our county should be open and people should be working. There is no one that is more essential than another. I have many friends who are still not working and it's not ok. I am terribly troubled that there are small businesses in our county that are Closing permanently because they will not be able to recover. 5/11/20 Please consider allowing businesses to open so people can get back to work before the repercussions of this shut down become far worse than this sickness. Melissa Calloway Dear Randolph County Commissioner's, Thank you for your service to our great county! Thank you also for allowing the prayer gathering at the courthouse on Sunday evening, 5/3/20. I believe through obedience to God's word to humble ourselves and pray that blessings will be poured out on our county and we can find favor in God's eyes. I ask that as you consider how and when to open Randolph County from the Coronavirus shut down that you will consider every life affected by this situation. That you will evaluate the lives and livelihoods being destroyed by the closure of commerce in Randolph County as well as the effects of social isolation on the health and well being of our county citizens. It is not an easy decision to make and not everyone will agree with your decision. So, I pray you will be given wisdom and discernment from the Lord as you carry out His work as a Randolph County Commissioner. Sincerely, Bryan Brown Thank you so much for allowing the prayer Service last night! It was so appreciated at this time. We thank you so much. Lisa Huffman Many thanks for what you and our elected officials do for Randolph County, especially in these difficult times. Thanks for allowing the prayer time last night at the courthouse. God can and does change things. "seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt. 6:33. Again, many thanks. Richard Kidd Asheboro With great pleasure I say thank yall for allowing Christian's to unit as one upon the court house parking lot and steps. I can only believe God had a smile on His face and a joyous sounds in His ears. Again thanks and God Bless our commissioners. Mike & Trena Leonard 5/11/20 Dear County Commissioners: Thank you for your excellent leadership and for encouraging the prayer meetings. Please reopen Randolph County ASAP! We want everyone to have the opportunity to get back to work. You can trust Randolph County residents to take appropriate precautions! Have a blessed day. Lisa Garrison I respectfully urge the commissioners to defeat this resolution. The state, and Randolph County will reopen soon enough in prudent and controlled fashion, with testing and monitoring to ensure that it is done safely. Randolph County's resources and technical expertise, while substantial, cannot compare with those of the state. Commissioner Kidd's resolution is unnecessary and improper. The authority of the governors of the various states, including North Carolina, to impose state-wide orders at their discretion based on the best scientific, medical and economic advice available to them, during this or any other state of emergency must be honored. No single county, Randolph included, should seek special status or interfere with the Governor's orders in any way, during this, or any other state of emergency. Commissioner Kidd's resolution threatens the health and safety of the citizens of this county. It should be defeated. Sincerely, Jim Meredith Thank you for allowing the prayer service at the Courthouse yesterday evening. It was awesome and so inspiring. So glad I got to go. I wanted to express my feelings about opening up our community as soon as possible. I feel that those who need to get back to work know how to do so safely. Those who are apprehensive can also wait awhile longer till they feel safe and better about doing so. We are for the most part responsible and know how to move about safely and adhere to the necessary precautions. Thank you for allowing our prayer service and forgiving this matter your consideration. Carmen Liberatore We need our county to reopen. It is unbelievable that these freedoms have been taken from us - this is very unconstitutional. We should not have to beg for this freedom. We need our county open so people can get back to work and resume normal life WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BEG RANDOLPH COUNTY TO REOPEN OUR BUSINESSES AND CHURCHES. YOU HAVE NO RIGHT, AND I MEAN NO RIGHT TO TAKE THIS FREEDOM FROM US. YOU WORK FOR US, THE TAXPAYER. 5/11/20 Dawn Williams Thank you very much for allowing prayer at the courthouse last night! We defiantly need God's help in these troubling times! Bill Usher Randolph County Commissioners, First of all, thank you for allowing us to meet for prayer last night at the Courthouse. It's so good to see churches around Randolph County come together for such a time as this united in humility for God's intervention. Secondly, I would like to appeal to the County Commissioners to reopen the county and resume our lives. We have slowed the spread and the people of this county, responsible and strong, are ready to return to their lives. Our county is hurting, our people are suffering, and our economy beginning to have a negative impact. I will petition that the time is now to begin reopening our economy, churches, schools and resume our lives. Thank you for your consideration. Thank you for your leadership and service to this county and community. Sincerely, Pastor Juan Sunset Avenue Church of God - Asheboro Thank you commissioners & mgr for allowing the prayer time at courthouse last night. As much as it depends on you folks, we will all be much better off as soon as we can get back to normal. Jim Wright Dear County Manager, I would very much like to see our county make an effort to reopen as quickly and orderly as possible. We can not afford to let our businesses suffer any further due to the coronavirus crisis. While I am very sympathetic to efforts to protect our county's health, we must also think about our citizen's jobs and livelihoods. I understand that you are currently dealing with an impossible situation and that there really is no easy answer. Even still, we must begin a return to normalcy. Thank you very much, Tanner Henson 5/11/20 Please convey my sincere thanks to the Commissioners for permitting the Courthouse Prayer Service last night. It was gratifying to see how many people attended. The overwhelming majority of our county's citizens support prayer as a genuine act of worship and as an outward sign of faith in God. Please also reject the fear mongering of those who demand the shutdown continue. Those people ignore the fact that the models the shutdown was based on have proven to be completely inaccurate. It is time for Randolph County to end the shutdown and take responsible steps to get our society and economy going again. We were told the shutdown was to "flatten the curve" and ensure our medical assets were not overwhelmed. That has been more than accomplished. It becomes more apparent everyday that the reliable data being generated proves that the fatality rate for this virus is not even in the ballpark of what was predicted. Good rational people are asking if the shutdown is now about power or even politics. If this is not the case the people deserve to be told in clear terms the exact purpose for continuing the shutdown. We are adults fully capable of determining whether the reason is supported by the facts and whether the shutdown is justified. Thank you for your consideration of this email. Andy Gregson Thanks for letting us use the courthouse parking lot to pray for our community, businesses,leaders to get thru these challenging times.I believe it's time to get this economy back up and running,gods in control Boyd Higgs Thank you so much for the use of the courthouse this Sunday evening. We greatly appreciate it greatly Rudy Sanchez I am for opening the county up. Please consider this. Thank you, Terry Miller My sister and I own a small retail store called The Bargain Shop. Our store is approximately 3,500 square feet and we usually have 10 or less customers at a time plus the two of us running the store. We supported closing in the beginning and did so on March 23rd, a week before the governor gave the stay at home order. We feel that now with the new information regarding the spread and who is most at risk, it is time to reopen our economy. We are able to offer ample shopping space for our customers to social distance and even offer curbside pick up for those that feel uncomfortable coming inside. We feel most residents and businesses are able to make the decision that is best for them. This helps everyone. I believe we can protect lives and livelihoods at the same time. 5/11/20 We look forward to getting back to work and meeting the needs of our small community. Thank you for your time. Beth Yates Thank you so much for the prayer gathering. Believe me, it will get you results. If you feel we can, would love to he able to get back to opening up. Thank you for all you do Sally T Just wanted to say thank you all for allowing our community to come together At the courthouse to pray for this community, our officers, our elected officials and the people of Randolph county! We love our county and want the very best for everyone who lives here! I feel like as a small business owner, we can come together with our social distancing and our strict safety procedures and get our community back up and running at least partially to help those who have badly been affected by this invisible enemy. We have definitely been blessed by the lower numbers that have been affected by the virus compared to other locations, not to minimize those that have had it and have died. Our prayers and hearts go out to those and their families that have been in contact with it. Thank you so much for taking care of our community and looking out for each and everyone of us that live here! Sincerely Scott Calloway We would like to have Randolph County opened up. This is destroying our economy. Bobbi and David McDowell MY SINCERE GRATITUDE GOES OUT TO THE RANDOLPH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY MANAGER FOR ALLOWING THE PRAYER MEETING AT THE COURTHOUSE LAST NIGHT. TO SEE THE EXCITEMENT ON THE ONES THAT CAME OUT, IT WAS REFRESSING. IT WAS A HUGH SUCCESS AND HOPES UPLIFTED. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES AND RANDLOPY COUNTY! R. EUGENE MCMASTERS --- ELDER--- SACOG We as a county are working hard to protect our loved ones. We hope the decisions that affect our loved ones would not be driven by short term commercial gains but rather by the data that comes from the state which would encourage caution in opening our county.Our Covid rate is rising .... we have real data from the medical community at the state and national level that provide appropriate guidelines for when to open up the county. (We are exceeding Forsyth County! ! ! ! ! ! ! )I am caring for elderly and family members that are at risk. They are not sheltered in nursing homes. We need more time. That does not mean some measures could not be taken but they have to be calculated, data driven, and based on facts. They should also give us a clear path to follow. We appreciate the effort that you are putting into making these difficult decisions which will have such significant impact on our families. Protect our community. 5/11/20 Thank you. Susan Huff I am a resident of Randolph County and I am requesting we re- open the county ASAP Joe Loupe I will think it is too Soo even for a soft opening, Ppl are already flocking to all the places that are Open Now, Check Out the Drive thru Restaurants, Hwy` dare getting busy again. So what do You think All these Ppl will do, when Some Places try to Reopen, Exactly They Are already doing drive in Churches half of Them probably didn't go to begin with, You don't have to be in Church to be a Christian.I don't want to Open and stay 6ft apart with a Mask & Gloves On, I Refuse to Live in Fear. Just My Opinion. Think Carefully about these decisions, it's on Your Shoulders. Thank You, Gloria Painter Dear Commissioners, It is with great respect and appreciation for your service that I send this message. For almost two months, the Christians in our nation have voluntarily and temporarily deferred their absolute Constitutional right to assemble and worship. We have done so at the request of our relected leaders, primarily for those that are susceptible to this virus. We are glad that the virus seems to be on the decline. We have all learned at lot about identifying and treating this disease. I am adding my voice to the conversation to request that you allow us to begin meeting andy worshipping together again. We will practice common sense and ease back into our worship. In a democratic republic a healthy give and take is absolutely vital to it's success. Absolute dictatorial decrees are poison to our system of government, and definitely must be an acception and not a rule.. I content that we have given up our 1st Amendment rights for two months now, and I believe it is time to allow us to reclaim those rights and be given the opportunity to practice our common sense with our freedom to worship. Please allow us to go back to Church, Gary Moger Pastor, Faith Baptist Church Dear County Commissioners, I want to express my sincere appreciation for your willingness to support our community prayer service last night at the Randolph County Courthouse. From my vantage point everyone stayed in their vehicles and 5/11/20 respected the social distancing order. It was a very refreshing time to pour out our hearts in Unity before God for our wonderful community. I am a strong advocate for the safety and wellbeing of my 80+ employees here in Asheboro. I am also a person who has built a business up now for over 30 years using real data to understand problems enough to offer a value which brings true solutions. The current method of this reopening of our country , state and local counties must use some good -ole Randolph County farm boy common sense that I was raised upon along with true real data. If Covidl9 fear is going to continue to drive the final actions and be the priority, then overall impacts will create a much greater penalty of irreparable harm to families throughout our state and county. We have Constitutional Rights which have been breached and to me is approaching a test for citizens who appreciate the freedoms our fore fathers paid a serious price for, we cannot and will not fail their sacrifice. I partition you on behalf of families, business owners and citizens to use Godly Wisdom and Council and find a proper way to get our local community back open and living productive lives again. The CARE will run out of resources and cannot afford to subsidize the huge needs families have across America over a virus which is very subjective in nature. Thank you for Serving our County with your Time , Talent and Treasure ! Sincerely, Byron Owens Many thanks for allowing the prayer service at the court house Sunday night. We enjoyed the freedom to pray for the leaders of our country together with others. We would like to ask that you open Randolph county for business very soon. We are ready to get back to normal and feel that with physical distancing and facemasks we should be able to stay safe. Please ask the Governor to allow nursing home visits soon, with face masks Or whatever protective gear we need. We can't allow our lived one's to be without us any longer! Please give this more consideration. We don't agree with antisocialism, people need interaction! Sincerely, George and Sharon Craig Asheboro NC Please accept my appreciation and thanks to all who had a part in allowing our community to gather together in a "Drive -In" setting to have a Prayer service last evening (May 3,2020) on the steps of the Randolph County Courthouse affording us the opportunity to give our community the much needed encouragement and renewal in a time when there is much unsettlement and confusion. I would also like to appeal to this board in regards to opening up our community for the small businesses and Churches who are suffering due to the COVID-19 shut downs put in place by our Governor. I feel, along with many of the people in my circle, that it is time to stop the suffering and get back to work providing for our families and building back this community. 5/11/20 Our community has suffered enough and yet still has so much to offer with many entrepreneurs full of vibrant eagerness just waiting for things to get back to where we are free to grow and prosper. In hopes that you will take the time to give serious thought and open conversation in regards to the future of our community and lifting the bans that are currently holding us hostage in our own homes. Sincerely; David Taylor Thank you so much for allowing the prayer service last night. It would be so wonderful to set a date and time for everyone to just step outside of their work,home or wherever and have prayer for 5 minutes. Everyone praying together for our Country and this horrible virus. It would show a tremendous uniting and testimony for all to see. Maybe the entire country would follow our example. Thank you again. God bless you! Ann Dillon Just wanted to say thank you for letting the Prayer Service happen last night at the courthouse and express our desire to have the county re -opened. Kimberly Kinney Councilmen: It is with great faith in our system of capitalism and in our Constitution that I humbly ask you to consider reopening our county and it's houses of worship. At this extremely difficult time we need to show our support for what has made this area so great - it's people. Let's put our neighbors back in their jobs and begin to reignite our local economy. Let's allow churches to once again gather together in freedom. If we do these things Randolph County will continue to have the strong impact which it has enjoyed in the past. Thank you for your consideration of my humble opinion. Chris Bouldin Please reopen the state this week and not keep it close. Sincerely, Melissa Hohneisen Please realize the importance of churches being open for their services. Our churches should be practicing the guidlines for spacing out seating, masks, sanitizing., etc. Please support and speak for the many many people who need to be back in their churches. Thank you, Leana Loupe 5/11/20 We would like to see our state reopen immediately! We need to get back to work and businesses need to open. The longer we stay closed, we will lose businesses in Randolph county and people will lose jobs. Please reopen now! Kelly Cassell Thanks so much for allowing the area churches to have the Drive -In Prayer at the Court House. I feel that it was an encouragement to all who attended. Gary Mason (Pastor at Balfour Baptist) again expresses my gratefulness. To Whom: Amidst the public opinions confusion and controversy, many citizens do not have accurate data to make sound decisions. Unfortunately Society cannot decide be open or not open. And because are specific territory has been defined as a high covid-19 Arena, I must stand with the slow but sure folks. I am a farm girl that represents Randolph County. I am a veteran that represents Randolph County. I am a believer that represents Randolph County. I am a mother, a daughter, a former wife that represents Randolph County. I cover a broad range. I don't know what to tell you. But I will say that I will be staying home and using good judgment on my Supply runs until I hear God tell me it's all clear. Beth Angel Thank you dor keeping us safe. As cases continue to climb I think it is in the best interests of Randolph county to remain cautious. I saw this email on a Facebook post saying to email you to pressure you guys to open things back up. I hope you do not let yourselves be pressure but inatead make a clear headed logical decision in the best interest of all. I just wanted to say that in hopes that whatever your decision to open or keep sheltered dont make it based off of bullying. Much love to you from a Randolph County native from birth. Calin Price Hello there I just want to take a minute and thank you for allowing the community to have a chance to gather and pray for all of you and everyone in our county. I contume to pray for wisdom for you all that you will open up the county because more damage is being done to folks not being able to work than anything the virus has done or will do. Once again thank you for your service to the county and may you always be humble and seek Gods guidance in making decisions. Have a blessed day. Joel. Hudson. 5/11/20 If you open up this county, for any reason, you are putting lives at risk. Tim and Judy Saunders There is no question whatsoever in my mind that local businesses should be re -opening effective immediately. This can be done safely, but keeping our local, state and national economy closed will cause many more problems than those caused by this virus. Please note that Walmart, Lowe's, Home Depot, and many more businesses have remained open this entire time with no detrimental effects. Please reopen NC! Cheryl Byerly I think its time we reopen our County. Small business is the backbone of the area and these people need to get back to work. Thank you for what you do! Scott Reeder Good afternoon, Please allow me to take a moment to offer my heart felt THANK YOU for each one of you for your generosity in allowing our community to participate in a community prayer on the steps of our courthouse. It was a wonderful evening and so many hearts and prayers offered up for all of our country, our leaders, our community...... It takes courage and hearts that are open to truth and light to take a stand that may conflict with some political and/or religious views. You all showed each of these traits in allowing our community to come together in a show of unity and prayer, friendship and song, patriotism and compassion. Thank you, thank you so very much! God is so Good! May each of you be blessed in truth and light. With respect, Dawn & Wes Stone Good Evening! I just wanted to thank you all for the opportunity for prayer to take place at the Courthouse on Sunday, May 3rd for the National Day of Prayer. It meant so much for us to be able to gather to pray for you as our leaders, our county, our state and our nation. Thank you for the officials that were there and the law enforcement that were there to serve and be a part. I will never forget that moment! As we all continue to navigate these uncertain times, we will continue to pray for wisdom and discernment as you lead us. We are believing for the best for all of the citizens in our county. I also look forward to the reopening of our county, not just for the social gains, but for the economical gains that will benefit those 5/11/20 who are losing out. As a parent, I look forward to soccer games at the YMCA and school being open. My son is in kindergarten and trying to help him understand what is happening and why, has been difficult. Thank you for leading! Matt Higgs Good afternoon. I have just been made aware that the county commissioners will be meeting this evening. I would like to voice my support for opening businesses and church services within our county. My daughter is a medical -surgical ICU nurse who, as many other men and women in the medical profession, has placed herself in the midst of danger to care for those whose lives were endangered or ended by the covid-19. As a mother of a nurse in such close contact with this contagious virus, I prayed much for God's great hand of protection to surround her. I trusted that the hospital administrators had worked to provide all supplies and materiel needed to bring healing to the sick and to equip and shield those doctors and nurses as they faced exposure to this threat to life. As the wife of a pastor, I have experienced the sorrow and the heartache others have endured as they have faced layoffs; have been furloughed; had serious cutbacks in their positions, their work hours and pay; or have lost their jobs. They face the fear of financial loss or ruin; but they but they have not lost their faith and trust in God. I have heard my husband pray with and encourage those who sorrow. I have willingly abided by the stay-at-home orders and followed the recommended suggestions to lessen the spread and contraction of the covid-19 virus. I have also been grateful for the vast cooperation of our citizens in following these recommendations. It is perhaps because of this massive effort of North Carolinians (in reality, all citizens of the United States) to sacrifice themselves socially, economically, and financially that we were spared from experiencing a far greater tragedy. I believe it is important to continue to use great care in rebuilding our economy, but it is time to re -start now. The people of North Carolina temporarily set aside their constitutional rights of personal and religious freedom in order to help stem the spread of pandemic. Now is the time to return to life and to face the challenges ahead. At this point, I believe it is far more important to open businesses now in order for our people to face life with respectful care and honorable courage. I believe it is far more important to open our churches so that our pastors can preach to the needy hearts and encourage their people to look to God Almighty for strength, for healing of our land, and for the supplying of all our needs. Thank you for hearing my reasons and requests for opening our county and our businesses, for opening our churches, and for re-entering life with courage. Respectfully, 5/11/20 Mary Elizabeth Callahan I am asking you to consider the option of allowing us to go back to work, shop at our favorite stores, and assemble (church). With safety measures in place of course. I am 82 years old and just can't wait to attend my church again. Thanks for you consideration. Astor Kinney Please reopen Randolph County. Enough is enough. Those who want to continue "shelter in place" can do so at their own discretion! Melody Beam Thank you for allowing the prayer Rally at the courthouse, May God bless Randolph County. We are praying for you and the decisions you have to make. Patterson Grove Christian Church. Pastor Brian Pierce. First of all I want to say thank you to all of for the Courthouse Prayer last evening. The turn out was great as well as the whole prayer service itself. Thank you for allowing people in Randolph County to be free more importantly allowing us to be free to worship our father in heaven. Continue to allow God to order your steps, for the Bible tells us in PSALMS 37:23 that "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. Thanks to all of you for what your doing an I pray that we can have another prayer soon. Blessings Keke Spinks County Commissioners; I just want to use this means to thank you for allowing the Prayer Rally on yesterday! Our county and nation desperately need the Lord's intervention as we navigate these uncertain times. Blessings to each of you! Bishop Michael Trogdon Good evening. My name is Robbie Crisp and I currently serve as the pastor of the Randleman Church of God. I want to express my appreciation for being able have the prayer rally which took place in this unprecedented time this weekend. Though I was unable to attend the actual meeting I want you to know that our church family is continually praying for Randolph County and its leaders. We are praying that God will give all of us wisdom concerning the when and how as pertains to reopening. We certainly do not know what Tomorrow holds, but we emphatically know who holds Tomorrow. 5/11/20 Robbie Crisp Hello - I'm very concerned about the effects of the novel Coronavirus on Randolph County. The new information we've received the last couple of days showing that the infection rate in our county is nearly double that of Guilford is especially scary. I'm sincerely concerned about locally -owned businesses and the unemployment rate, but I'm more worried about possibly losing my loved ones. I urge you and the County Commissioners to support the governor's re -opening plan at the very least and potentially to consider something even more strict. I know you are aware of some retailers who are extremely busy, with many employees and customers not following basic guidelines to prevent and protect against the virus. I've also heard of at least one local shop opening against the state order. I urge you to lead us in a positive way by protecting the health of the citizens while supporting those who are unable to earn their regular living at this time. Thank you, Jill Painter Asheboro It would be imperative to open things back up!!! Don't make sense what is going on! Aleta Welch Please prayerfully consider taking a stand against the governor's draconian virtual house arrest. The government is choosing winners and losers and wrongfully restricting our freedom of religion and our right to assemble. Businesses are closing, not due to capitalism, but due to directives from our own King George III. It is high time that you, as the leaders of Randolph County stand in open opposition to the unconscionable acts of this governor. Even as the state legislature debates limiting our religious gatherings to 25, it is unconstitutional to limit them at all. It should be at the discretion of the parishioners to determine their willingness to exercise their religious freedoms. Where once only countries like Communist China raided church services, it now happens in our own country. We should not have to be afraid to gather due to reprisal of any government. I implore you all, support your local economy. Support your local businesses. Every job is essential. The American dream need not die of Coronavirus. There are many angles at which we can fall, but only one at which we can stand tall. I pray that Father gives you all a dug in heel, a locked knee, a firm backbone, a strong gut, a steadfast mind, and a heart for your people. Prayerfully, DR. JONATHAN BURRIS, Pastor, New Center Christian Church 5/11/20 My name is Jennifer Brewer, I am the owner of J Brewer and Co Hair Studio. Asheboro is part of my heart and I care deeply about our community and local small businesses.Our salon employs 20 people in Asheboro one of which is a salon assistant who is constantly cleaning and sanitizing. I am respectfully asking you to consider reopening our county. We are willing to follow any guidelines and restrictions you would recommend. Thank you for your time and thank you for allowing the prayer service at the courthouse. Thank you, Jennifer Brewer I have been blessed to be able to work during this pandemic time but feel lead to stand up for those less fortunate. Please do all you can to help my hometown Asheboro and surrounding areas of Randolph County to get back to work! I am a member of Beulah Baptist Church under Pastor Neal Jackson and am thankful for all you are doing and have done! God Bless, Lisa Funk Caviness Thank you so much for. allowing the. people of Randolph County to meet at the courthouse for prayer last evening. What an awesome evening it was and you made it possible. We ask for your consideration in opening up our county as soon as possible. So much of the population is out of work and it is beginning to take a toll on families county -wide. So many businesses are hurting and some have even closed permanently. We desperately need to begin giving people their lives back. Thank you!. Cleo Brown Please express my vote to reopen Randolph County! If some choose to continue shelter in place that is their right, but it is time for everyone to be able to choose whether or not to go back to work. Brent Scarlett, DVM In this time of the world pandemic, Thank You for giving the churches the opportunity to band together( in cars ) and cross denominational boundaries, to ask God to bless and keep our city, county, state and country safe from not only Covidl9, but all the evils of this world ! May God Bless and keep you safe !! Tony Hoover Good Evening, 5/11/20 I am writing in regards to the meeting that was held about the "Reopening of Randolph County". I do not think the county should be reopened. The consistent rise in confirmed cases are proof of that, daily. In just one week (Apri128th to May 4th) there were 88 confirmed coronavirus cases; that is equivalent to 12 cases per day. I am aware that everyone is attempting to follow the necessary precautions to remain safe, however, as you can see, it is not enough. People of the meeting, I am asking you to consider our community, our loved ones, your loved ones, our babies -everyone is dying. We need our community to stick together during these trying times, by staying home and staying safe. I vote for the stay at home order to be: Stricter, Randolph County members sign up for Netflix, STAY HOME, and watch the new Jumanji movie... Thank you for listening, even if this email reached you too late. Amanda M Fields It's time to reopen. Clinton Nance To whom it may concern, thank you all s000000 incredibly much for allowing our county to come together Sunday evening in the courthouse parking lot to pray & worship in one accord. We love Randolph county and respect the leadership of this county. You all are vital to our livelihood. We look forward to soon being able to come together in our churches, restaurants, salons, stores & business to bring unity to our community. Blessings & prayers for all you are doing to bring us together once again. Mike & Cathy Ritch I do not support opening Randolph County. Our numbers are still climbing and I do not see them going down. I think it will be a disaster if we try to reopen. My parents are both elderly and we are doing everything we can to protect them. Leighann Kirkman Please, please, please let us get back to work and church! People are losing their businesses. We must get out and start building up a herd immunity to this virus. Folks that are uneasy can stay home, but the rest of us would like to get back to our lives. Otherwise, there will be nothing to come back to. Teresa Havens We appreciate you letting us gather Sunday, at the courthouse for prayer for Randolph County. It brings peace and hope to so many who need it more than ever right now. 5/11/20 It is my desire to see Randolph County and NC reopen Under healthy precautions. Thank you for all you do. Toni Baugh It has come to my attention that the county commissioners have a scheduled meeting for Monday, May 11 to discuss a possible resolution to the governor's office, which would seek so-called local control over the COVID-19 pandemic in Randolph County. After reading the article by Larry Penkava that was posted to the Courier -Tribune's website today, I am deeply troubled that one of the strongest criticisms of the current stay-at-home order is that it restricts people from gathering in their churches; in fact, the article went so far as to imply that one commissioner's sole reason for pushing the resolution was because "he wanted to go back to his church." I would just like to take a moment, as a local pastor, to voice my strong disagreement with such a sentiment. Like most people in Randolph County and the rest of the country I miss my social interactions, chief among them being the weekly gatherings I have with the people of Good Shepherd. Yet as a priest and pastor my first responsibility is the safety and wellbeing of my flock. Staying home is a challenge for me, but if me staying home means that the 103 -year old parishioner in my congregation is less likely to get sick, then that is a sacrifice I am willing to make. The kind of sentiment that is loudly calling for things to "return to normal" is nothing short of an unwillingness to put the needs of others ahead of one's own, a refusal to respect the dignity of every human being. That is most certainly not a Christian attitude! Thus, I simply wish to voice my displeasure and disappointment in this possible resolution and hope that you will speak up for common sense and compassion at the meeting on Monday. Grace and peace be with you. Fr. Joe Mitchell Rector, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd I am writing to encourage and support efforts by County Commissioners and County Government to successfully re -open our economy and society. Ours is a particularly difficult situation because we have unique risks including the outbreak at a meat processing plant that employs a significant number of our citizens. Our case numbers continue to rise more rapidly than the rest of the state. It is extremely important for us to catch up with the rest of the state so that we are prepared for successful reopening. If we're not properly prepared, the risk of a rapid rise in new cases is extreme. With that in mind, here are thoughts for your consideration. 1. Commissioners and all of County Government should encourage, teach, and support best practices for reducing spread of the virus. Distancing, masking and case tracking are the most powerful tools we have. We could be teaching online classes especially designed for churches, day care, restaurants and others so that they understand the importance of those tools and how to use them well. Successful organizations should get praise and public recognition for their achievements. In particular, every Commissioner and all county departments can lead by example. Voters elected all commissioners. You are trusted. Your personal statements and examples will make a difference. 2. Now is the time to be anticipating reopening needs. For example, seating capacity at restaurants will probably be limited in order to allow for social distancing. Should the county and municipalities help them by selectively closing portions of streets so that customers can be served outdoors? Spring and summer would allow nice family experiences with outdoor dining and might 5/11/20 help our restaurants re -start. What special needs will our schools and college have in order to reopen with best practices? How can the County help? I'm sure there are other examples if we start looking for them now. 3. Tracking and testing will be vital public health processes during re -opening. Are we already prepared? What can we be doing to assure success? 4. Leadership by County Government can encourage individuals to practice distancing and masking consistently. We really need 100% participation in order to get the full benefit of these tools. They are not expensive or cumbersome but whenever you venture out I'm sure you see the same thing that I see. Many of our citizens are ignoring them. Some are choosing to not participate as a political statement of opposition to what they see as intrusive government. As Commissioners, you are leaders. You have the opportunity to officially declare your support for best practices in distancing and masking by passing a resolution. Unfortunately, the resolution currently under consideration does the opposite. I urge you to not pass it. Please attend to what can and should be achieved locally. Those who are concerned about the constitutionality or legality of actions by the state have the opportunity to take them to the appropriate court for judgment. The court has the authority to judge constitutionality. You do not. At this point, whatever action you take may inflame one interest group or another. I urge you to disregard that and attend exclusively to what you control — your own actions and those of Randolph Count Government. You can demonstrate your sincerity by adopting best practices personally. I would like to think that each of you believe in the science and want to protect citizens by encouraging them to participate. This should not be a partisan issue and I hope you will make that clear by your actions and words. Thank you for taking time to consider my thoughts. I wish you the best of success and will be pleased to assist in any way possible. Sincerely, Robert E Morrison I respectfully request that the commissioners reject the resolution asking the governor to provide local options for reopening. This could be harmful because the spread of the virus isn't controlled by county lines. Robert Upchurch I want to thank the commissioners for their hard work during this crises. Currently, Randolph county is surprisingly a bit of a hot spot for the virus. Our infection rate of 0.18 is well above the state average of 0. 11, and our doubling rate for new infections is 10 days (compared with 60 days in Orange County and 16 days in Durham county). We started a bit later than some areas but appear to be in an acceleration phase while other areas are experiencing abatement. Therefore, as the governor starts to open up the state I think the commissioners can best serve this county by emphasizing how careful we need to be as we open up. We don't need to be pushing ahead of the curve, because our curve is NOT flattening. Chairman Frye spoke movingly about wisdom yesterday. I would argue that the wise thing to do here is to follow the advice and plans of the Governor and experts in our state. At the difficult times during the birth of our country Ben Franklin said "We must all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." Those words certainly ring true for this crises. 5/11/20 Robert B Scott, MD Thank you for allowing us the use of the public property at the courthouse for our prayer meeting. Also, I would appreciate you doing all you can to open our free-market community and the businesses within it. Most of us are adults and recognize the need to use caution, but it should be our decision if and when we decide to shop and where to shop. It's OK to shop at Lowes when you can't find a parking spot or to shop at Walmart with half the people, not social distancing. If Randolph County is considered a hot spot then both these places are more than likely the culprit to blame. I just want to ask you. When is it OK to let the liquor store open but the dress shop on main to stay closed. I realize that all the decisions are made by the governor when he declared a state of emergency. I implore you to talk with all the representatives in our state and change the rules about when and how a governor can enact this measure without the legislature voting on it and taking all the power away from our duly elected officials. Roger Hill Commissioners, I hope you and your family are staying well and safe. I am writing to beg you to listen to the medical professionals and not to try to override of challenge the governor's orders. The medical professionals are telling us to stay home, our cases in Randolph County are continuing to increase (see this morning's Tribune) and our hospitals are pushed to the limit. I think it is careless and irresponsible to re -open everything before it is safe. The last thing we need is to have another wave in a couple of months and risk closing businesses and schools again in the fall. Yes, I desperately need a haircut, and I miss being able to get out and shop and have dinner, but I get it, and am willing to stay home a little longer in order to put this behind us. I miss being in my church, too, but I am thankful that we are able to worship via live streaming every Sunday morning, coffee cup in hand, and all our Bible studies, group classes, etc., continue on a regularly scheduled basis throughout the week via ZOOM. Our choir even had a ZOOM practice last Wednesday. It is not ideal, but this is a time to do what we have to do to keep people safe. Our church, First United Methodist, has already decided that when the time comes to re -open, we will likely schedule multiple services throughout the day on Sunday to avoid having too many people together at one time. Again, not ideal, but necessary and prudent. This is a time for all of us to do what we have to do to keep people healthy and safe so that we can re -open safely and confidently as soon as possible. Doctors tell patients to take ALL the prescribed antibiotics, even though they might start to feel better in a couple of days. If they don't, they could easily relapse. To me, the analogy is clear. Thanks, Linda Cranford I am a mother daughter wife Christian health care worker married to a first responder e African American and I am living with a life threatening pre existing condition. 5/11/20 I will live in this County as long as I feel as though it is concerned about its citizens safety . If it ever comes to a point where it begins to defy the law of the land I will leave. It's not worth it fighting with this committee that doesn't value the poor and disenfranchised in this County. In closing you must ask your self if this document protects lives of Randolph County Citizens 100 Darlene Tillman Dear Commissioners, I am writing to you in support of the resolution being considered Monday. Please stand up for the rights of the citizens of Randolph County by passing this resolution. A one size fits all solution does not meet the individual needs of counties across our great state. I truly believe that the constitution is clear when it states "no human authority shall interfere with our religious liberties". Respectfully, Beth Robbins Dear Sir, I SUPPORT A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR GOVERNOR ROY COOPER TO MODIFY HIS EXECUTIVE ORDERS TO ALLOW LOCAL CONTROL OF THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY AND TO COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL AND STATE CONSTITUTIONS Many thanks, Rad Davis I respectfully ask that our county take its power back from an over reaching Governor. It is critical that all commissioners support the resolution on May 11. Randolph County is going to be at a point there is nothing to save. Thomas Lamb To the commissioners: I am once again writing in opposition to Commissioner Kidd's reckless resolution on reopening for COVID 19. Pandemic control is not at all a "local issue," particularly not here at the intersection of two major highways. Gov. Cooper's Phase 1 allows for properly conducted outdoor worship services, and we have ample beautiful spaces for such. From his FaceBook page, we know that Commissioner Kidd has already promoted and attended a drive in prayer service at the courthouse. Lastly, in the April 7 edition of the Raleigh News and Observer, Ashley Smith, the state leader of Commissioner Kidd's local ReOpenNC campaign, admitted that she is "taking guidance from and following Dan Forest." I am personally appalled that my health is being put at risk for a political stunt connected to the 2020 governor's race. I hope that the other commissioners will show wisdom and reject this resolution. 5/11/20 Rebekah Megerian, Ed. D. Thanks to the County Commissioners for prioritizing the welfare of Randolph County citizens and their willingness to allow comments regarding a resolution about when the county should re -open. This is a very difficult and complex situation, and I do have sympathy for small business owners who face economic hardship. However, I think the gradual reopening of public spaces and businesses, which Governor Cooper has outlined in Phase 1, is the best course of action. Having watched the number of cases per capita in Randolph County, I appreciate Mr Allen's information that we are in the top 20 counties in the state. This morning's figures show our per capita number at close to 20, higher than Mecklenburg's. The number of cases in Randolph County grows rapidly and daily. A too -hasty opening would probably lead to more infections and deaths AND even more severe long-range economic distress. Thank you. Jan Reese County Commissioners I commend you on your efforts to protect the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Randolph County during this pandemic emergency. I hope you will continue to observe the State guidelines for business openings. Also, the majority of churches, including my own, voluntarily suspended church services to insure the health of not only their congregations but the general public as well. Respectfully, Rob Reese To all of the elected officials of Randolph County and our state honor your North Carolina constitution and your United States Constitution which everyone of you pledged to uphold when you took office if you decide you do not want to uphold both of these constitutions resign your post immediately you are not doing your job. I will make my own choice on when and if I attend church I do not need a tyrant telling me when I can regardless of the situation. Elections matter you can be replaced.... Bobbie and Jackie Cranford Dear County Commissioners, I am a Randolph County citizen residing in Asheboro. I oppose reopening the county while our numbers of people infected with this pandemic continue to climb. It puts the whole county at risk for more sickness death. It is a reckless move to even consider while our numbers continue to climb. It cause is to shut down all over again and put us back at square one. That anyone could put economics ahead of the health its citizens is a frightening thing. I know I am not the only one with such concerns. It's simply too soon. Sincerely, Vickie Wilson 5/11/20 I support the resolution being considered at the May I Ith commissioners meeting. I believe Governor Cooper's executive orders exceed his authority and urge all of or commissioners to vote for the proposed resolution. Citizens gave up basic constitutional rights to flatten the curve and protect the vulnerable. The curve has been flattened and rules of social distancing as well as hygiene have been taught. The best results have been in states like Florida that surged their protection around those most susceptible. All states should move that way and up the protection of those most at risk, while everyone else continues to focus on following the rules, as they get back to their lives and their livelihood. Clearly the justification and consensus for suspension of our inalienable rights has passed. Whatever the good intentions of the powers that be, the effect has rapidly veered toward tyranny. In most areas of the country, certainly in most areas of North Carolina and Randolph County, the cost of liberty and livelihood is greater than the risk. Willing and able people must be allowed to get back to living and working according to their judgement not the orders of rulers who have exceeded their authority. People are going to take back their lives and their pursuit of happiness, wise leaders would get out front and manage it to the safest and most productive outcome possible. T. Rick Smith CALL IN COMMENT Marcia Freed, Trinity Ms. Freed disagrees with the Reopen NC Act. She wonders how many of the people supporting the act are prolife because if they are, the act is definitely not prolife. CALL IN COMMENT Rebecca Milks Ms. Milks is a retired nurse (RN) of 43 years. She has had cancer. She goes to store at Sam wearing her mask and gloves and has wipes with her. No other citizens in the store are wearing a mask. The county is not taking precautions. If the county is reopened, the deaths will triple and nurses and doctors will be at risk. If the county takes precautions, it can reopen, but she does not anticipate that happening. We support the resolution that is being considered Monday night at the county commissioners meeting. Thank you sir. Anthony & Julie Parks CALL IN COMMENT Elizabeth Provancha 5/11/20 Ms. Provancha is against local control of the pandemic situation. We don't have the expertise. The governor has access to the science and medicine behind the decision and can work with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. County Commissioners, I support the resolution that is being considered Monday night, May 11 th. Sincerely, Pastor Juan Sunset Avenue Church of God Dear County Manager, I support the resolution that is being considered at the meeting Monday night. Thank you for your leadership! Wendy Moffitt Please do not let Commissioner Kidd risk our lives and well being for his own political gain. The governor's plan does allow for churches to gather in the open, and we have tons of parks and parking lots in the county to accommodate drive in and socially distanced worship. I have only been out for essential trips for food. I have seen only a handful of people wearing masks & using physical distance when out. The people in this county need your guidance on this because they wont do it with out it. Our county is now up to 5 deaths & almost 300 people KNOWN to have this virus. If we could test everyone I think we would have 10 Xs that many people walking around asymptomatic. I am over 65 & a diabetic. I havent seen my daughter in 2 months in order to stay well. Please do not make that effort in VAIN. Our hospital will be severely in trouble if we REOPEN NC before we get our numbers down & more testing for everyone. Denise Rinaldi I support the resolution that is being considered Monday night. Lynne Owens I support the resolution that is being considered Monday night. Thank you, Dwayne Shackelford County Commissioners, 5/11/20 Deaths in Randolph County are now at 5 (as of May 8) and the curve is not decreasing or flattening. If there ever was a time to follow state and CDC guidelines, now is the time! This does not infringe on our religious freedom in any way. Please vote against the Kidd resolution. Lois Bohnsack I support the resolution that is being considered on Monday night. I live and reside in Randolph County. Thank you, Astor Kinney Dear County Commissioner's, Thank your for your tireless work of trying to get our community and County back to work and functioning as normally as possible and as quickly as possible. I support the resolution that will be discussed at the next meeting. Thank you again for all your hard work and dedication, Janet Ingold CALL IN COMMENT Sandra Trotter Ms. Trotter is a longtime citizen of Randolph County, 30 years, and has family members who are a part of the vulnerable population. She is concerned and appalled that any consideration of removing Randolph County from the directive of the Governor's office and White House is even being considered. Please consider the vulnerable before the dollar. She is painfully aware of what the shutdown has caused. She has a small business and understands intrinsically what people are dealing with. All that aside, there is a plan in place that is science based and goes of facts and not emotion. Ms. Trotter hopes that there are enough rational people on the Board to consider these facts and remain under the directive. We must protect the most vulnerable citizens; that's what America is about. She appreciates the Board's consideration and hopes they do the right thing for all citizens of Randolph County. Randolph County Commissioners, As a voting citizen of this county with family members among the Covid-19 vulnerable population I am aghast that the notion put forth by Commissioner Kidd to go against science driven directives from not only the Governor's office but the White House would even be seriously considered. There is a prudent, thoughtful plan in place through the Governor's office that take into consideration all the factors affecting Randolph County citizens including the rise in cases and deaths. Rest assured that I am aware of this painful time on businesses and what that also means but life must be valued over dollars. I ask you all- What would Jesus do? Blessings in Christ Sandra Trotter 5/11/20 Once again I urge you not to open early against the advice of the health care experts who the governor looks to for guidance. Think about how easily this spreads. Even in the white house. If you feel safe that doesnt mean others do and you can infect us. Be wise and be cautious. Help keep us safe. Thank you. Ann Bennett I am disappointed that the first section in the resolution to be discussed at the May 11, 2020 meeting did not reaffirm your support for protecting the life and health of all residents. Under the current executive orders, North Carolina has a lower death rate (deaths per residents) than either Virginia or South Carolina, our neighboring states. As I leave my home to get essential items or go for a walk, most people I see are not wearing a mask. The county government has shown no discernable initiative in protecting its residents by stressing appropriate social behavior in this regard. The freedom to worship the religion of one's choice is not challenged. Therefore, I propose that Randolph County follow the Executive Orders relating to the Coronavirus pandemic as issued by the Governor of this state and not try to weaken the current restrictions. Ruth Scanlan I am writing to express my opinion against the push to open up the economy in Randolph County too quickly during the pandemic.Being patient is the wise thing to do. Following the Phases outlined for NC by the governor will allow us time to prepare more and evaluate how opening things up will affect the spread of COVID 19. I heard several economists on NPR this week say that if we fully open up too soon it will be worse for the economy in the long run.(Pandemic Economics) The cost of treatment and increased deaths would be more harmful to everyone, not to mention the human cost. We are not ready to have all businesses and gathering places open up .We have no vaccine, no treatment and limited supplies. Testing in NC is not adequate to really see how many people have the disease so they can quarantine themselves and avoid spreading it. That means we do not know how many people are not showing symptoms and will be able to unknowingly endanger others. We do not have enough supplies for our medical heroes to take care of themselves now. If we open up too fast it will just make it less safe for them as cases of the virus will surely increase. More people will die. Please do not do that. Follow the mandate that the governor and the medical experts have determined. Susan Arritt Scott As much as I wish for things to open, I think we need to heed the advice of scientists and stay at home. The covid cases are still increasing in our county. I don't like the quarantine, who does, but I believe it makes 5/11/20 us safer. Even if our county becomes more open, I will not be going out except for the necessities. I do not feel comfortable to eat out, shop, etc. It makes me uncomfortable that at some restaurants in Asheboro the employees do not wear masks or gloves. Thank you. Marty Williams Dear Readers, It is much to soon to open Randolph County. Our leaders have kept all citizens safe and our best interests in mind to date. To listen to a few outspoken citizens and one misguided commissioner at this point would be criminal. I've heard the arguments about opening churches, and worry these proponents are more concerned about opening the collection plate than their church doors. For an elected official in this county to not value human life, and to not understand that there is only one Bible, which teaches us God is present whenever one or more are gathered in HIS name, is a sad statement for Randolph County. What is really driving this desire to open our county and to place our citizens in danger? I've always been proud of the leadership in Randolph County and Asheboro. Our testament to hard work, fiscal responsibility and common sense has served us well. Let's not loose that with the vocal response of the politically motivated. Respectfully, Marcia A. Daniel I support the resolution that is being considered Monday night. Regina Rush I support the resolution Boyd Higgs I'm strongly against this resolution. I put my trust in Governor Roy Cooper in leading our state through this pandemic and returning it to normal activities in a manner that will protect the population. The Randolph County commissioners are ill prepared to make informed decisions regarding the pandemic and it is obvious that they are more interested in politics than the health and well-being of the people of Randolph County. Merrill Howard Good Afternoon, I want to first and foremost thank the Randolph County Commissioners for all their hard work during this unprecedented time of public health crisis. 5/11/20 I ask that the Commissioners continue to follow the directives set forth by Governor Cooper concerning re- opening the Randolph County economy in a safe and phased in manner. This phased in approach is based on statistics and data provided by well trained and educated Public Health professionals. It is in my opinion that the role of our commissioners is to uphold the laws, ordinances and directives of the state of NC in the best interests of our citizens. It is the judiciary branch of governments responsibility to question and make decisions on the constitutionality of any directives set in place by our governor. I also ask that any vote on such a resolution be held until a full and concise report is given to the commissioners concerning Covid19 and its effects on Randolph County by Randolph Public Health. Thank you Lisa Sparks Mr. Kidd I would like to start off saying I commend you for the resolution on opening business and churches in Randolph County. Has a devout Christian and small business own I feel I treated unfairly by our governor! Why is a liquor store and abortion clinics open and I can not go to church or work at my place of business! It's unbelievable in the US! So I support you in your move and admire your efforts. I pray The Lord blesses you and your resolution. Thank you and God Bless! David McKinney Dear Council Men and Women, First, I want to thank you for all the extra you have been putting in with our unique circumstances. I know that some of the decision you have had to make are difficult. I am praying for you as you serve. I am looking forward to seeing Randolph County "reopened". I desire to see all of our businesses back running and people back at work. I support any measure that safely works towards this goal. I also desire to see us reopen the churches. I would suggest to allow the churches and the congregations to make their decisions on a re-entry plans. I know that you have the people's best interest in mind, but be sure that we do too. For example, I reminded a few of our older couples that attend our church that even though we are having an outside service this coming Sunday, I support them in their decision to stay home for safety. I am working on a couple plans that will slowly reopen the sanctuary that keeps people distanced and encourages older members to stay home. One proposal is to have two services so people can spread out more in the sanctuary. I am open to discussions with any of you if you would like input from a local pastor. God bless you, and I will be praying for you as you discuss moving Randolph County forward on Monday. Pastor Scott Kidd, Senior Pastor of Union Grove Christian Church I would like to know how I may protect my family from the contagion spread by people who will not adhere to simple mandates that are in place to reduce the risk to us all. Not the time to "open up" when this plague is still on the rise. 5/11/20 wrankin To the Randolph County Commissioners: The Federal Government of the United States has taken an ever changing and highly fragmented response to the COVID-19 epidemic. It has fallen on the stateb governers to come up with a response to the virus and a plan to reopen their states. Our adjoining state, Georgia, who's governor opted to reopen his state almost two weeks ago, had second thoughts when a major hot -spot for the virus opened up in Gainesville and with cases going up by twenty percent. On May fifth Atlanta, Georgia made national headlines when crowds filled the streets in front of bars celebrating Cinque de Mayo. Randolph County is seeing an increase in COVID-19 infections and deaths. This is not the time to lower our guard and become careless. We are only as strong as the one hundred counties of this State and the rules set to protect us. Sincerely, Bob Armfield Dear Mr. Johnson, I support the resolution to be pesented Monday, May 11. Also, I encourage you and our Commissioners to reopen our churchs. Sincerely, Linda Daves I support the resolution!!! Please consider the voice of Randolph County citizens! Vickie Farlow Randolph County Commissioners, The commissioners know that the restrictions imposed by the Governor Roy Cooper have two main goals — to protect the health and well-being of the citizens of North Carolina and to allow for a presumption of normal activities as soon as possible. Phase I has started and within a short period Phase II will begin, allowing nearly all activities to resume with certain restrictions. So, what's the purpose of this resolution? Even as the number of covid 19 cases and deaths continue to rise in Randolph County the commissioners appear more interested in politics. Apparently, they believe that freedom of religion and choice means disregard for others. If the White House can't control infection within its own staff, what do the commissioners think is going to happen when some of the most vulnerable individuals in our population risk greater exposure? Governor Cooper has led the state of NC through this pandemic in a thoughtful and intelligent manner, basing his decisions on the best possible information. I have no trust in the Randolph County commissioners taking control and feel they will do more harm than good to the citizens of Randolph County. I'm strongly against this resolution. 5/11/20 Karen Katula I support the resolution that is being considered Monday night Sherrie Parks I am asking the Randolph County Commissioners to approve a resolution asking Governor Roy Cooper to modify his Executive Order and allow local control over Randolph County's response to the Covid-19 emergency and to comply with the State and Federal Constitutions. I am extremely concerned about Governor Cooper's actions such as the recent arrest of an Apex small business owner and other actions that are clearly government overreach on our civil liberties. Randolph County residents understand and cherish their Constitutional rights and want to avoid having to take any actions against state government under 18USC 242 Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law! Some of Governor Roy Cooper's recent actions demonstrate that preserving our Constitutional liberties is not a high priority for him. I am, therefore, putting forth the following reasons why it is more appropriate that our local government determine its response to the Covid19 emergency and when and how to reopen our community. Local government officials understand the unique demographics, economy, etc... of Randolph county and are in a better position to know how best to apply state/federal recommendations and at the same time preserve our civil liberties. Reopening North Carolina with a "one size fits all" approach is not the best strategy for North Carolinians due of the diversity of conditions (residential and economic) across the state and the wide range of impact this virus has had from county to county. Please VOTE YES TO A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR GOVERNOR ROY COOPER TO MODIFY HIS EXECUTIVE ORDER ALLOWING LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO DETERMINE HOW TO RESPOND TO THIS NATIONAL EMERGENCY! Sincerely, Karen D. Caviness The Bible says we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. Reopening too soon will most assuredly cause more Randolph County residents to become infected, and possibly die. How, exactly, is this loving your neighbor? In this pandemic, wearing masks, staying home, and practicing good hygiene and social distancing are examples of loving your neighbor. Endangering the lives of vulnerable Randolph County residents is not. Please vote NO on this resolution. Diane Hubbard I am humbled by what I read in the resolution being sent to the governor by our county officials. It makes me proud to live in Randolph County. Gwen Dorsett I wanted to share my full support of your continuing to follow the Governor's stay at home orders to protect the citizens of North Carolina and Randolph County. 5/11/20 We need to support our first responders and health care workers, who already lack sufficient PPE, as well as the population in efforts to control the spread of the disease. As you know, the numbers are still increasing, with Randolph County near the highest rates. And as one of my good friends pleaded, "Please wear your face masks so that my daughter, who has been working the front lines since this pandemic began, can come home again." NO ONE knows that they themselves are not a carrier, or testing positive, and a possible very real threat to everyone around them. I realize there are those who are more than willing to sacrifice themselves, their families, their neighbors, their friends, their church families, their co-workers and anyone else unfortunate enough to encounter them, without social distancing, sanitizing or even a face mask. Even now, people in some grocery stores are behaving irresponsibly -- not wearing masks, are not honoring one way aisles, not social distancing and not sanitizing. Whether vain, bullies or just ignorant, these violators are threatening the lives of others as well as themselves, since they have no way to know that they are those with whom they come in contact are not infected already, spreading the contagion. Arguing to ease this stay at home phase-in sends the totally wrong message to those who are not behaving responsibly already putting first responders, health care workers and many others at increased and potentially fatal risk at a time when we do not even have a way to determine the extent of the contagion. There is no constitutional right to reckless, wanton disregard of the health and safety of others, whether it's drunken driving, racing through school zones, going the wrong way down a one-way street or aisle, or carrying serious potentially fatal diseases with careless disregard for the risk to others. We can all easily gather on various telephone and computer platforms — from a simple telephone call to a large FaceTime or Zoom call-in. Many of us are doing it daily, for church, work, family and friends. We have had sermons, beautiful music, readings, communication from and with others. With a moratorium on foreclosures, evictions, utility cut-offs, people are not being evicted from their homes. Private groups have established and can increasingly establish support mechanisms, such as non -profits organizing restaurants to provide food to health care workers or those needing food because of temporary layoffs, supplementing the many food banks already active. I sincerely hope that those who are advocating for putting others at risk are willing to put their own funds and support out to those who they put at risk. Will the lawyer who advocates for his small business clients to open prematurely and without significant implementation of social distancing latest requirements be ready to defend them FREE OF CHARGE or pay for their significantly higher losses when employees, customers and their extended social networks develop the contagion and have a good argument that it came from that small business? Those lawsuits are already out there — Walmart, Smithfield and the other meat packing companies in the news daily. Putting politics ahead of the public health and welfare, and the increasing contagion and deaths, for which there is no curative treatment, insufficient tests and no vaccination or prevention other than sanitizing and social distancing A few weeks is a small price to pay for many lifetimes that most assuredly will be lost. 5/11/20 We need to be uniting against the virus, NOT POLITICIZING this issue for a November election battle. THIS IS REAL, NOW, WITH NO CURE OR PREVENTION, AND POTENTIALLY FATAL FOR MANY MANY PEOPLE! Nancy Short Ferguson Dear Randolph County Commissioners, I would like you to know that I am in favor of the resolution that is being considered in the meeting on Monday night. I want to thank you again for all you do for Randolph County. Blessings, Danielle Byerly, Outreach/Mission Director, Sunset Avenue Church of God Dear County Commissioners, Please know that we are in support of the resolution that is being considered on Monday night's agenda. Thank you again for allowing our community to offer prayer for our country and community on the courthouse steps last week. May God bless each of you and God bless our country! Blessings, Dawn & Wes Stone First, Randolph County should not be a COVID-19 sanctuary. I don't why it's even an issue. These childish tantrums over perceived infringements of "fundamental rights" are embarrassing, unnecessary, and, in this case, potentially dangerous to the health of the residents of Randolph County. Second, if Randolph chooses to ignore federal and state orders regarding reopening, will Randolph also choose not to accept federal and state coronavirus emergency funding? Seems only fair. Thank you, Todd Dulaney, Asheboro It has never been more important for us to listen to scientists and doctors about how to attempt to contain this virus. Opening Randolph County at this time is a very big mistake. Please use intelligent information and caution, not the loud voices calling for their "right' to assemble. People have a "right" to stay alive and this requires everyone to follow intelligent guidelines. Martha Crotty Dear Commissioners: 5/11/20 You talk about your rights to assemble and worship, but what about your constituents' right to stay alive? And is a church not a building, but the people in it? Please use caution and don't open up Randolph County early. As you learned from the last meeting, Mr. Kidd's resolution does not represent Randolph County. Thank you, Megan Crotty To the Commissioners: I think that Randolph County has done a lot of things right in working with Governor Cooper to protect our citizens from the Coronavirus. I realize that it has required a lot of decisions which have not been easy or popular, but we are not elected to public office just to govern in times of peace, fat budgets and automatic piloting. I have been recovering from major surgery, so it has not been much of an issue for me to stay at home, shelter in place, and communicate to the rest of the world through TV and the internet. Over the last week, as I have been able to get out to the grocery stores and drive-through bank and restaurants, I have been concerned at how few people seem to be taking even the simplest precautions when interacting with fellow citizens. Fewer than half the people I see are wearing masks, and no more than that are practicing physical distancing. I think this is due in large part to the mixed messages that elected officials are sending to our citizens, and adopting the proposed resolution would in my opinion be a terrible message for the board to adopt, one which would undermine all its previous measures to protect the public. Especially pernicious is, I believe, its emphasis on the freedom of religion. I do not see that any of the preventive measures instituted to combat the spread of the coronavirus were designed to curtail the ability of any citizen's religious practices. One hundred years ago the Randolph County Commissioners `closed the churches' as well as schools, vaudeville theaters and moving picture shows to "slow the curve" of the spread of the Spanish Influenza epidemic. There was no massive public backlash at that time. People understood that the disease was spread from person to person, and isolating people was the only reliable method of slowing that spread. A hundred years ago, public health officials were practically flying blind - there was no testing to show who was infected, for influenza, or smallpox, or yellow fever, or tuberculosis, or polio. There were no cures then, no vaccines. The fact that four out of the five diseases named have now been practically eradicated from the earth has lulled people into a false sense of security. There are still diseases for which isolation is the only treatment, keeping people separate but alive until more is known, tests are developed, or a cure is found. And a hundred years ago, people were less dependent upon a professional class of people to tell them what to believe, or how to worship their God. Quakers called them "Hireling Ministers." Any structure was enough for early Quakers, Baptists and Methodists in Randolph County to meet, weather permitting. Quakers met in their own homes for decades before meetings were established in the county; circuit -riding Methodist ministers held open-air services in brush arbors. The same thing was done during the Spanish Flu pandemic, and there were no marches and protests. If for no other reason, we were at war, and had our troops on foreign soil, and everyone, from farmers to politicians, understood the need to speak with one voice. We are still at war; have been since 2001, and we still have troops on foreign soil. My own son is one of them, whether he is in Iraq today or Syria. Using the current pandemic to politicize public health, to undermine the legitimate recommendations of scientists and physicians, might be good short-term politics but it is itself a deadly threat to all of our attempts to make decisions that benefit the common good of all of our citizens over the long run. 5/11/20 Sincerely yours, Mac Whatley, Commissioner, Town of Franklinville. I support the resolution. Mike Leonard JERRY H. AND PHYLLIS M. BARNES SUPPORT THE MONDAY RESOLUTION BEFORE THE COUNTY COMM. CONCERNING THE CO-VID 19 SITUATION. THANK YOU ... JERRY H. AND PHYL Please take the reopening in phases. Lives are at stake. People can worship any where. Tim and Judy Saunders Hal, thank you & the commissioners for your service to our county. I stand in favor of the resolution. God bless us all! Jim Wright I support the Randolph County Resolution being considered tonight by Randolph County Commissioners. I believe that it is my choice and decision as to how I handle the Covid-19 virus. If I choose to go out of my house or choose to stay in, that is a decision I should be able to make on my own. I believe that business owners should be able to decide if they allow customers to enter their business or remain close. Each county has different situations and should be allowed to make their decisions about their business. If the big box stores can remain open for business, then why not the small mom and pop stores. I believe our governor is making decisions based on where his campaign money comes from and that's not the way it should be handled. Please consider our county in your decisions, not Wake or Orange on any other county in this state. Thanks Paul Allred To whom it may concern, "As for me and my house", we wholeheartedly support the Resolution to our Governor that is being considered by the County Commissioners on Monday, May 11, 2020. Godspeed, Jimmy R. Routh Hal, 5/11/20 Please accept this email as a comment intended for the special meeting of the Commissioners called for May 11, 2020. I understand that the meeting is called specifically for the purpose of debating a resolution calling upon the governor to modify his health restrictions in the face of the Covid19 outbreak in Randolph County and in the State. As you know, the Governor has called for Phase 1 of reopening many businesses; that phase would encourage the wearing of masks and require the reduction of crowding in such businesses. If Phase I meets with success, rather than a serious increase in cases, then Phase 2 would be implemented. As I'm sure you know, the federal government's guidelines on reopening contemplate the beginning of such a process after 14 days of declining coronavirus cases. The front page of Friday's Courier -Tribune displays a graph showing the steep increase still going on in Covid 19 cases in Randolph County. Not only do we not meet the federal criterion of a 14 day decline in cases, we have not had a single day of decline. Instead we have had a continuing and steep increase in cases. I would ask the commissioners to put the health of our citizens first, before any other issue, including politics, and decline to endorse the resolution that has been put before you. It is ill-advised, poorly thought out, and, quite simply, foolish. Please extend my thanks to the Commissioners for taking the time to consider this comment. Thanks, Jon Megerian I support the resolution being considered at the May I Ith commissioners meeting. I believe Governor Cooper's executive orders exceed his authority and urge all of our commissioners to vote for the proposed resolution. We cooperated to flatten the curve and protect the vulnerable. The curve has been flattened and rules of social distancing as well as hygiene have been taught. Now we need to move on. We need to get back to saving not only the people but this county as well. Freedom to worship must be restored. This is our right as American citizens to be able to go to our Churches and worship without fear. Never in America should this ever occur. Freedom is never Free but we all know the cost. Now as our elected officials you need to pass this Resolution and open this county. People are going to take back their lives and protect their families both health wise and financially. You have to remember the US Constitution and the NC State Constitution they are still the rule of law and no one can simply over rule either unless we the people let it happen. Sincerely, William E Dula I support the resolution being considered at the May I Ith commissioners meeting. I believe Governor Cooper's executive orders exceed his authority and urge all of our commissioners to vote for the proposed resolution. We cooperated to flatten the curve and protect the vulnerable. The curve has been flattened and rules of social distancing as well as hygiene have been taught. Now we need to move on. We need to get back to saving not only the people but this county as well. Freedom to worship must be restored. This is our right 5/11/20 as American citizens to be able to go to our Churches and worship without fear. Never in America should this ever occur. Freedom is never Free but we all know the cost. The cost of liberty and livelihood is greater than the risk. The people who are able must be allowed to get back to living and working according to their judgement not the orders of Gov. Cooper who has exceeded his authority. He picks this one for example the ABC store and it's fine, but the Hair Stylist must stay closed. Really, Lowe's of Asheboro stays open with the parking lot full, yet we can't go to Church? What sense does that make in America? Now as our elected officials you need to pass this Resolution and open this county. People are going to take back their lives and protect their families both health wise and financially. You have to remember the US Constitution and the NC State Constitution they are still the rule of law and no one can simply over rule either unless we the people let it happen. Sincerely, Ramona B. Dula I support this resolution, we need to go back to work. Please pass. Everett Dula Dear County Commissioners. I support the Resolution that is being considered on Monday night. Thank you for upholding our Constitution and protecting the rights of equal treatment of all citizens of Randolph County to be able to work to "enjoy the fruits of our labor" so that we may feed and support our families. I pray that you will humbly seek God's wisdom. I pray his blessings and protection over you. Sincerely, Cynthia Hudson I support the resolution that will be presented Monday night. George Trollinger I support the resolution for the governor to allow counties to make their own decisions regarding Covid 19. Our county has a minimal number of deaths compared to our total population. Those who are vulnerable need to continue to protect themselves but our county needs to go back to work now! Our economic survival is at stake. Our children need to go back to school and our citizens need to be able to worship as protected by the constitution of the United States of America. Thank you for having the courage to stand for the welfare of the citizens of Randolph County. We will pray for your wisdom in this matter. Jaclayton " I support the resolution that is being considered Monday night." 5/11/20 Roger Hill Good Afternoon I support the resolution that is being considered Monday night. Thank You and Have a Great Day! Stephen Kinney It's too early to reopen. They had one graphic on TV that showed Randolph County having the most of some specific marker related to Covid, and we haven't made enough flattening. Please. Talula Cartwright I strongly oppose Commissioner Kidd's resolution. I believe attempting to override the Governor's orders exceeds the powers of county government. I also believe it exceeds good judgment. Governor Cooper has a larger view and greater access to data and expertise. The argument that individual constitutional rights are being trampled by the Governor's orders is both wrong and incredibly selfish. No individual's rights include endangering their neighbors. Asking people to stay at home and care for others in their community by distancing and wearing masks is a tiny sacrifice compared to the sacrifices our forefathers made to protect our lives and defend our rights in times of war and previous pandemics. We are all in this together. We can be patient and do the right thing for the vulnerable among us. Jean Vollrath Asheboro Hebrews 10:23-25 23 Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Sent from my 1Phone Brenda Blackwell I STRONGLY support the resolution thats being considered for Monday nite Trena W Leonard I do NOT support the proposed resolution to modify the Governor's executive orders. I believe the governor has access to a lot more detailed and pertinent data than local officials. The governor is making state-wide decisions to protect us all. So many people leave Randolph County on a daily basis for work or shopping or sharing custody... I myself live in Randolph County right at the border with Guilford County, which has 5/11/20 also had a lot of cases recently. I think just looking at our county's data to make decisions to trump the governor's would not be wise and would not be safe. We are connected and exposed to so many other counties (and even states). If we reopen too soon against the advice of state officials it will have deadly consequences. Laura Heflin Please support the resolution. Kimberly Kinney I am adamantly against this resolution. I will not be purchasing any items in Randolph County if this goes forward. Please put the Health and welfare of citizens of Randolph County ahead of political schemes. Jane Cranford To Whom It May Concern, I support the resolution that is being considered on Monday night. Thank you for your consideration. LaWanda Williams I support the resolution that is being considered Monday night. Tina Sisco As a resident of Randolph County I am very much concern about the re -opening of this county without additional testing. I feel that the lives of this community is more valuable than getting this economy open without proper testing. I look around each day and see individuals without mask and are not practicing safe distance from each other. Our numbers are rising daily without knowing exactly were this virus is going. As an essential worker my livelihood depends on my being able to continue to help the seniors in this community. Our religious institutions can continue to hold services through conference calls and Zoom connections. I am not prepare to re-enter my church without a sense of knowing that the person next to me is not carrying the virus. We currently have 5 individuals that have lost their lives to this virus with daily increases in the numbers currently carrying the virus. I am asking our officials to please halt this urgency in opening back up businesses and industries here in Randolph County. We must get ahead of this crisis before we entertain things back to normal. My question to each of you, how many lives are you willing to lose in order to get the economy back on track? Respectfully submitted, Jane Ledwell-Gant 5/11/20 I support the resolution being considered this Monday, May I Ith! Thank you! Karen Shackelford Dear County Manager, RANDOLPH COUNTY NC IS NOT READY TO OPEN! If all goes well I want my child to go to school in August and now is not the time to withdraw and if we do these numbers will only skyrocket. It's proven already on the national news, these communities that open too early their C-19 numbers go up. When our children start to school in Aug. we should do everything we can to make sure the C-19 virus is eliminated and if it's not and it gets into our schools it will be very devastating FOR EVERYONE! Our children are precious, our elderly are precious, our disabled are precious and all are loved, let's not make a very bad mistake of opening too soon. I trust our Governor to make these decisions. Sincerely Timothy Morgan As our American Constitution states, American have religious rights to assemble. The Bible states: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25 . Our religious beliefs compels us to assemble. Churches can heed safety precautions and still meet. Not being able to have religious rights to assemble is viewed as an infringement of religious freedom by government control. Think very hard about this decision. The Pilgrims set sail on faith within extreme unhealthy conditions just to establish religious freedom in this new found land. Voting against religious freedom to assemble is going against our founding fathers. Do you really want your initials on this? Respectfully Submitted, Brenda (Bren) Blackwell I'm asking you to consider supporting the resolution which will be discussed Monday night. Our small businesses need to reopen at at least 50% capacity to be able to survive! Thank you! Jennifer Brewer, J Brewer and Co Hair Studio I support the resolution that is being considered Monday night Ann Dillon Dear Mr. Johnson, I am greatly concerned that the Randolph County Commissioners are considering violating the statewide plan to open businesses and gatherings gradually. I have read the article covering the May 4 meeting which 5/11/20 indicated Commissioner Kidd felt that he was suffering from religious persecution by not being able to gather with other congregants inside the sanctuary at the church of his choice. I am grateful for Commissioner Haywood's response rebuking such a comparison. As a believer involved in mission in eastern European countries where persecution did occur historically, I know that what we are dealing with are minor inconveniences, not oppression of any kind. I would hope that all our local leaders would see the folly of risking the health of their constituents and threatening the already shaky status of the Randolph Hospital and its staff, who do deserve our support and appreciation, not our disregard of the sacrifices they are already making on a daily basis. I urge you and all elected local officials to refrain from the sensationalized rhetoric that Commissioner Kidd and others frequently use and use common sense and integrity to follow the statewide plan. Thank you, Renee Hayes, NC Council of Churches, Governing Board Good day ladies and gentlemen. I am writing concerning " opening up "our county. Do NOT "open up" yet. Doing so goes against all scientific recommendations and the research backing it up. The cases in this county are increasing at an alarming rate. This county is now considered a "hot spot", If not the hottest spot in the state. For simplicity just read channel 2 news web site. Do the research yourself. Today the local paper stated that we now have 305 cases, and because we are NOT testing you know that it's at least five to tens times that, AND IT WILL INCREASE. The epidemiologists at our own top universities will tell you that fact. By opening up too soon you will prolong the pandemic, and increase infections and death. This will probably swamp our healthcare system and then really shut things down. That will be on your heads. What concerns me tremendously is the poverty rate in this county, and the lack of health care for our citizens. This alone leaves us in a precarious place, and you know it. What frightens me the most is the wanton lack of social distancing and the fact that people won't wear masks. Just go into Lowes Lumber and Hardware as an anecdotal example. One also DOES NOT have the right to hold normal worship services, then go out into the community KNOWING that you will INFECT your fellow citizens. I don't think Jesus would approve of that, and would want to protect His flock. Many people have a callous attitude about this disease. I hear and read too much about it. It seems to me it's all about "me, myself, and U' Every one of us wants to end this nightmare, but we must have strong moral fiber and stick this out together. What makes us think that we cannot endure this without making the types of sacrifices the Greatest Generation made through The Great Depression and the Second World War. With great respect I implore you to show great wisdom and leadership for all of us citizens. With best regards, Michael Tinker Do not open the county up to spread the virus through the community! Governor Cooper needs to remain in charge of Randolph County, and it is the Commissioners's duty to follow Cooper's rules, not make your own. There's no red or blue with the virus, just sickness and death. Don't spread it farther than it is already spreading! Kim Fitzgibbon 5/11/20 I am a resident of Randolph County and I support the resolution being presented tonight to reopen Randolph County. Elaine Foust Dear Hal, I saw the notice for the County Commissioners special meeting for 5/11/20 and I am a bit concerned about the phrasing of the resolution calling "to consider a resolution calling for Governor Roy Cooper to modify his executive orders to allow local control of the COVID-19 emergency and to comply with the federal and state constitutions." What concerns me is what the Commissioners may have in mind if they are granted "local control." I would encourage the Commissioners to continue following State and National guidelines that have been endorsed by both Gov. Cooper and President Trump. As you can see from the attached graph, North Carolina is still increasing its documented cases, and until we have a sustained decrease in positive tests (at the very least) we cannot go back to normal. It's not just the urban "blue" counties being affected; there are clear indications that the virus has a higher per -capital rate in rural areas in NC, and our populations tend to be older and have more underlying conditions. Please listen to public health guidance before taking any steps that would endanger the lives of our citizens here. We have seen from the recent enormous drive-in church service by the Sunset Avenue Church of God at the Randolph Courthouse that we can still gather and worship as a community, even with a stay-at-home order in place. I hope that the Commissioners continue to show courage and leadership and protect my fellow citizens, instead of turning this into an opportunity to make a political statement and downplaying the very real public health risks that we face. Thank you, Margaret Megerian Thank you for your work in drafting the resolution to be considered at tonight's meeting. I am in support of this resolution. Thank you, Bryan Brown Re: Special Board of Commissioners Meeting Regarding Resolution Requesting the Lifting of COVID-19 Restrictions for Randolph County Two particular facts relevant to Randolph County have changed from one week ago. Randolph has now moved up to number twelve among North Carolina counties in terms of number of cases diagnosed, and to the seventeenth highest rate among all North Carolina counties. Only one county, Durham, with a population exceeding our own, has a higher rate of infection. Our rate is far higher than that in Guilford, Mecklenburg, and Wake. And I suspect that our location adjacent to the most infected county in the state (by far), Chatham County, is contributing to our worsening position. We are worse off by both of these relative measures since last week's meeting. 5/11/20 The next fact I would note is that this crisis is going to pass, regardless of how damaging it has been and might well yet become. No one is suggesting that the "Shutdown" is of unlimited duration. It too will soon end, one way or another. Surely no serious person would propose that our State government sees any advantage in closing off its primary source of revenue by limiting its citizens' ability to earn money. So, we have to presume that the State is acting upon sound professional medical opinion. That is what Randolph County has done and should continue to do. Randolph is not being unfairly treated by the application of big -county standards. The Resolution has particular problems as proposed. The Governor DOES have the constitutional power to do as he has done. Why else would the Resolution admits as much by reciting the Governor's statutory authority and then suggesting the very statute that the author advises that he follow from now forward in taking the same actions he has already taken?. The Resolution recites that "local control ... is sufficient to assure adequate protection for lives and property." I have no medical expertise whatsoever, so on this point I would want to defer to the Public Health Department. These people were hired to protect us from threats to our health. I would want to ask these professionals if they have sufficient testing and tracing to control COVID-19 locally. Ask them for their best guess as to the probable course of the virus in our locality. When the professionals we have hired to help us state they have this under control, as best they can, then yes, we need to reopen. The most troubling recitals in the Resolution are in the final two "Whereas" paragraphs. It states that the county has "more than sufficient access to healthcare facilities to meet the county's needs." This is a peculiar statement in the light of the ongoing bankruptcy of Randolph Health, and the pending and potentially sudden closing of the hospital before we are out from under the threat of COVID-19. In the event of that very real possibility, exactly how is it that the emergency will not very possibly become one which dramatically "exceeds the capability of local authorities to cope with"? The Resolution then suggests that the State's actions have interfered with the rights of North Carolinians to worship. Well, yes, but only if you gather together while worshiping with more than ten people. The Governor's restriction is not analogous to unconstitutional restrictions on a free press, as the Resolution recites, but IS analogous to other restrictions on otherwise perfectly legal activities. For example, drinking wine comes to mind. This is a perfectly legal activity, and is in fact ritually done in many churches. However, the State restricts your right to drink amounts of wine it has judged excessive and then to drive a car on the public roads. The consumption is OK, but the endangerment from the consumption is not OK. A church which wanted to gather could do so in groups of ten or multiple groups of ten, all day long if the members wished. Inconvenient that might be, but it is certainly not a restriction on the right to worship. The "rights of conscience" protected by the North Carolina Constitution have nothing to do with the manner of expressing one's conscience but rather reference a citizen's right to believe whatever he wishes and to tell others about that belief. Activities considered inordinately dangerous (such as the consumption of dangerous drugs at religious services, standing in the middle of a busy intersection preaching, or blasting one's message by bullhorn during the night time hours) have never been protected activities. It's notable here that the United Methodist Church, one of which I attend, closed services entirely one week before the State took action to limit the numbers attending those services. The Church's order was actually more restrictive than the Governor's, terminating all services until further notice. The Church believed that this was the best way to protect the health of its members. Precisely no one has complained. I know other denominations have done the same. As a collateral benefit of this closing, our members have more time to help their communities, and members have been making masks and gathering and delivering food to those in need since this began—the latter, of course, at personal risk to their own "vulnerable -person" selves. 5/11/20 Finally, why does anyone believe that suddenly "lifting" COVID-19 restrictions is going to bring business back to its former levels? As we are constantly reminded, Randolph has an older population. Who believes that these thousands of the vulnerable will suddenly expose themselves to sickness just because they are allowed to do so? Isn't it better to do the best we can to effect control of the sickness, and then reopen? And any thinking business owner should be terrified of the possibility of liability for infecting a customer (with no insurance coverage). So, what is the County to do with this? If we must have a Resolution, then I would suggest resolving to support Randolph County businesses and the health of its citizens by adhering to sound medical advice, and encouraging State authorities to lift restrictions as soon as is reasonably prudent. Alan Ferguson To the Representatives and County Leaders: I have read the agenda packet for tonight's meeting and I agree with the 'Resolved Sections'. It is good that you are sending this to Governor Cooper, NC General Assembly and other State officials. I also want to express my sincere disappointment in the governments choices to close certain non essential businesses, example - hair salons (note I am not a barber or hair stylist), while allowing the ABC stores and abortion clinics to remain open! It is my opinion some folks in Randolph county are not taking Covid-19 serious. As you see people, customers/consumers going into businesses like Wal -mart, Lowes Home Improvement and grocery stores the majority ARE NOT wearing masks. If I may make a suggestion, can we ask business to request or require folks to wear a mask? I want to encourage each of you to seek Godly wisdom before making decisions as you serve your neighbors of Randolph County. Thank you, Sharon McBride I feel strongly the "reopen" resolution needs to be withdrawn and / or voted down on May 11th. This is irresponsible on the part of the commissioners. I can't imagine why they would even consider such an action as it jeopardizes the health and welfare of the people of this county, a responsibility they were elected to uphold and swore to do. Vote "no". Christopher Hussey To Whom it May Concern, I am writing to request that Randolph County commissioners vote against the proposed COVID resolution led by Kenny Kidd. With our county's numbers still steadily climbing and even being considered as a "hot spot," it makes no logical sense to lift restrictions any earlier than determined safe by our state officials. This does not mean I don't want life to return to normal or that I live in fear or that I am not very concerned with the economy. But it does mean that I put human life and the health of my county first before my 5/11/20 personal wants and above money. So many people have carefully followed the stay at home orders and social distancing that to un -do this before the appropriate time, it completely defeats what we have been doing for the past couple of months. Also, I do believe our state is better equipped with more data and expertise to monitor and lead our decision than our individual county can provide. I request that our commissioners do not put anyone's own personal or political agendas above the health of our community. Thank you for you careful consideration. Respectfully submitted, Robin Beard Kirkman I want to address the upcoming discussion on relaxing the guide lines put in place to keep us safe during this pandemic. It is irresponsible to take any action that will hurt the citizens that you represent. To have someone use our religious freedom as an excuse is down right deplorable. We know what this is really about, it is to fall in line with the President. It is about undermining a Democratic governor who is following the advice of medical professionals. Correct me if I'm wrong none of you are qualified to make that decision. But you can concentrate on keeping our hospital openopen, money for our community college (which you voted take back) and coming up with a plan to help keep us safe. Do your job and let the Governor do his. This is not the time to play politics. Don't not invoke the name of God in your scheme. He will not be pleased. Thankyou Rev. Donald Matthews Dear Mr. Johnson, I am writing to go on record asking that the resolution be passed urging the governor to fully reopen the great state of NC. This shut down has been detrimental to our local, state, and nation wide economy. It has placed severe hardship on most everyone that I know across almost every field of work, with no regard to demographics or income levels. It has affected mental health and those with addictions. It has infringed on our right to worship. This has been more devastating than the virus itself, especially given the low numbers of test positive cases. We answered the call to flatten the curve and allow the government time to acquire medical supplies, do medical research, prepare our hospitals, and put plans in place. We did not agree to loosing our businesses and not being able to feed our families and pay our mortgages while we wait on the virus to suppress naturally, get a vaccine, or a cure. It is time to reopen. We need to unite to reopen NC and our county and send a strong message to our governor demanding the right to work, fellowship, shop, dine, and to access service providers such as hair and nail salons. If a sales person at Lowes or Walmart can wait on hundreds of people a day, then hair salons and churches should be open. In most cases, big box stores will survive and many have been thriving, but our local small businesses, the heart of our county, state and country are bankrupting, and their owners, employees, and their families are suffering. 5/11/20 While we all share in the sadness over lives lost, this shut down has been an immense burden. Unemployment, stimulus, and business loans are not the answer. Our right to freedom, civil liberty, and prosperity are the answer. We are all grown and consenting adults and we should have the right to make decisions for our personal safety and the protection of our family as we move forward. Compromised and elderly should be advised to proceed with caution and self isolate as much as possible. Protections should remain in place for our senior care, medical, and educational facilities. Social distancing, sanitizing, and hand washing should be encouraged to continue to slow the spread. Those willing and able should have the right to prosperity, to return to their jobs, church, and way of life. The government has exceeded its authority. There is no justification for the suspension of our inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, our right to freedom. It is time to reopen NC immediately and fully. Sincerely, Jimmy and Pamela Vuncannon Randolph County Commissioners, I urge you to protect the health of the citizens of Randolph County by voting down the proposed resolution. The number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in our county is increasing, not decreasing. It is not yet time to end our vigilance and allow people to congregate and spread this disease. Please follow public health guidelines and wait to open when it is safe to do so. Thank you. Ruth Held Dear Randolph County Board of Commissioners: I stand with Governor Roy Cooper's three-part plan to reopen North Carolina. I feel Governor Cooper should remain in control and not relinquish authority to local governments. Unfortunately, many elected officials lack the ability to remain impartial, use proper judgment or remain unbiased during decision making due to pressure from citizens. There are some local governments who are using Covid-19 as an excuse to turn the reopen strategy into a political issue when it is a Public Health issue. This virus has proven deadly across many demographics and does not discriminate among the rich or poor, black or white, homosexual or heterosexual, Republican or Democrat. Social distancing guidelines are working and saving lives. I think Randolph County should go a step further and make it mandatory for everyone to wear masks in public. As a nurse on the front lines at Duke University Hospital and Asheboro native, it saddens me to witness on a daily basis local citizens still not wearing masks and taking this deadly virus seriously. I see many families with their children out in Walmart, Lowes and grocery stores shopping as if we are in a state of normalcy, We are Not! I see people coughing and not covering their mouths. I see people working on the front lines in grocery stores, restaurants and service industries not wearing masks and it is frightening. I often wonder how many of these people are asymptomatic carriers of Covid-19 and could be taking it home to an unsuspecting family member. Believe it or not, I have heard conversations about people who are positive for Covid-19 who are not staying home quarantining and going out in public without masks. 5/11/20 Our own local hospital, who is unstable financially and most likely lacks an adequate catalog of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) resources, is not equipped to handle a surge in Covid-19 patients. The number of cases in Randolph county continue to rise and as of May 10' there are a total of 338 confirmed cases, up from the 272 cases you last published on May 5. That is 66 new cases in just 5 days. Although we are beginning to see a decrease in Emergency Department visits for respiratory illness, the number of ICU Admissions have trended up. I am going off data from NCDHHS.gov website. I feel if we ease social distancing measures and reopen prematurely, we could see a spike in cases, increased deaths and have to shut down again. I am all for religious services to continue safely with minimal exposure. This is a time for us to be innovative and creative with religious services, while mitigating the potential spread of Covid-19. We have a large elderly population with comorbidities here in Randolph County and numerous churches. If these were to open up, they would serve as one huge petri dish for Covid-19 and could prove fatal for many residents. Large religious gatherings have proven to be lethal in other states. For those pushing to reopen, ask yourself can your family survive if the breadwinner of the family goes back to work and dies from Covid 19? What if they suffer a debilitating stroke from Covid 19, which is one of the possible side effects due to it causing clotting disorders, is going back to work worth this risk? By the way, I have a friend that had this experience. There are many front line companies hiring as the demand for many products and services increase. I urge everyone to proceed with caution, to remain patient and vigilant and let the scientific data be your guide. God Bless us All. Respectfully, Danita Baldwin Pitts, RN BSN, MBA Dear County Commissioners: We have been Randolph County residents since 1997. We fully support the Resolution that you are considering tonight, and we ask you to vote yes. First, we support the Resolution because Randolph County is fully capable of managing this situation itself, for the reasons stated in the Resolution. We also agree wholeheartedly with the Resolution's language about the unconstitutional limitations that are being placed on individual liberties at this time. We are deeply concerned about those issues, and the fact that governments are taking the unprecedented step of punishing those who simply seek to worship, work, and support their families. We do not force people not to drive or engage in other risky daily activities (with known fatality rates) just because they are dangerous. Similarly, we should not continue to restrict individual liberties, especially now that we have "flattened the curve" and confirmed that our hospitals and health care providers in NC will not be overwhelmed. Churches, businesses, and individuals who wish to take extra precautions by continuing not to congregate, open their businesses, or go into public spaces at this time are free to continue to restrict their own activities, if they choose. But those businesses, churches, and people who wish to exercise their freedoms to work and worship and gather should be free to do so as well. Finally, we should not take lightly the health risks posed to those who are being forced out of the jobs and activities that help them to support their families and stay physically and mentally healthy and safe. As the language of this Resolution states quite well, it makes no sense for the Governor's "one size fits all" approach to be applied to rural counties like ours. Randolph County should be allowed to tailor its efforts to address COVID-19 to the needs of our citizens, in our rural area. Please have the courage to stand with the other rural counties who have passed similar resolutions and vote yes. 5/11/20 Thank you for your service and your leadership of this wonderful County! Aaron and Lisa Garrison To Whom It May Concern: I understand that the Randolph County Commissioners will be having a meeting tonight to consider the resolution submitted by Commissioner Kidd. I urge you to vote against it. I see it as a thinly -veiled attack against Governor Cooper and an attempt to make a global pandemic a political issue. We should not be taking advice or considering opinions of any politician — local, state, or federal — when it comes to dealing with a public health and medical issue. As for me, I think it is most prudent to follow the advice of Dr. Mandy Cohen in North Carolina if you are not sick and to follow the advice of licensed medical professionals if you are sick. Our local health departments are working with our state public health officials to protect the safety and health of our citizens. I hope that our local county commissioners will also work with our state officials in implementing sound recommendations of public health officials to deal with this crisis. We are all in this together. My wife and I are recovering from this virus. You do not want it. You do not want vulnerable family members and friends to get it. Thank you. Ed Bunch Dear Randolph County Commissioners, I asking you to please support the Religious Liberty Resolution that will be before the Randolph Commissioners Meeting tonight May 11, 2020. Thank You, Allen Elsea Dear County Manager and County Commissioners, Please reopen ALL of Randolph County. Our freedom and our livelihoods are being destroyed. Adults are capable of making wise decisions for ourselves and our families. If we need to shelter in place because we are at high risk, we are free to do that. Please allow those who are not to return to our places of worship, to our places of employment and to return to our recreation. Thank you. Sincerely, Kristal Velazquez Good afternoon, First, I would to say thank you for the consideration of the proposed resolution. As an American citizen and a resident of NC, I know that over the last few weeks that our God given rights... as well as our rights laid out in the US & NC Constitution's have been violated. 5/11/20 I celebrate ALL of our commissioner's for taking a stand in favor of the great people in our community and all over Randolph County. I believe each county should be able to choose whether our communities are ready to go back to work ... not our Governor! We are tired of the over reach from Raleigh. As a believer, a son, a brother, a husband, a father, and a Pastor, I Brad Thomas, Support the resolution that is being considered Monday evening, May I Ith, 2020. May God bless you, our Commissioners, Randolph County and it's great people... And may God bless America! Brad Thomas At a time when our nation should be coming together to fight COVID-19. It is saddening to see some individuals put the politics of their party over the good of the people. This virus has killed people in our county, we have no way to stop it once a person is infected, and our infection rate continues to rise and has not plateaued. Why would you even consider taking power away from the Governor at a time like this? Anyone supporting this resolution wants to reap the benefits of the Governor's restrictions while not adhering to them. We are better than this as a county. We should let the facts guide us. Fact: The country of Sweden, the state of GA and NC have roughly the same population. Sweden chose to no restrictions, GA started their restrictions late and ended them early, and NC has kept a steady approach. Sweden has 3,256 dead bodies from COVID-19, GA has 1,352, and NC has 507. The Governor's program is working. Also, the state is ALREADY beginning to open back up. At best, your resolution would be nothing more than pounding on the table and stomping your foot for one or two weeks of reduced restrictions. How many lives are worth those few days? Let the science of the situation be your guide and give up this silly attempt to gain political points at the cost of a neighbors life. Clyde Foust Jr. We support the resolution before our county commissioners tonight. Ed Clayton Hello, I am in support of seeking more local control over the government's response to covid-19. I am in favor of a Resolution to be sent to Gov Cooper's office. Dawn Williams Dear Commissioners, I am writing to express my extreme concern over the proposition of Randolph County pursuing a position or making any resolution that is not in accordance with the guidelines set up Governor Cooper and the state in regards to dealing with Covid-19. Hal Johnson's recent press release stated that "the Randolph County Board of Commissioners is committed to maintaining the health, safety, and well-being of its citizens" I 5/11/20 would hope this is truly the case. As of Friday, the Randolph County Health Department noted 339 reported Covid-19 cases and 6 deaths in our county and these number will continue to grow, especially if we move too quickly or foolishly. I believe that we should continue to follow the recommendations of the Governor and continue in the steps laid out in the phasing -in process when we begin our work to open up our businesses and community. I think any resolution or action that is taken to deviate from the current recommendations of the state would be fool -hearted, dangerous to our citizens, and nothing more than poorly informed political positioning. I implore that you do what is right and safe for the citizens of Randolph County and refrain from any resolutions that support anything but facts, science, and proper mitigation of the Covid-19 virus. Concerned Randolph County Citizen, Chad Conville Randolph County Commissioners, The office you hold is trusted to hold the best interests of county residents at heart. This includes doing everything in your power to stem the tide of infection during an epidemic by modeling and rewarding behavior that complies with public health guidelines. These guidelines are based on medical knowledge and they are constitutionally set by the state and federal government so we can slow this epidemic in Randolph County, save lives, and reopen safely. I would like to know where is the resolution that praises those churches who are protecting their congregation by following the guidelines and holding services online or outside with proper social distancing? Where is the resolution that protects our essential workers and appreciates their work and the risks they face? Where is the resolution that acknowledges the hard work and risks faced by our health professionals and staff doing everything in their power to save lives? Where is the resolution that praises the dedication and hard work of our County Health Department to slow the rate of infection in Randolph County? Where is the resolution that praises the hard work and dedication of our public school teachers, staff, cafeteria and transportation workers who not only found a way to continue teaching during an epidemic, but they are also delivering meals to the many children in our district who might otherwise go without? Where is the resolution that praises the efforts of our residents who are following the guidelines by wearing masks to protect others, waiting six feet back, washing our hands, and staying home when possible? Commissioner Kidd's resolution does nothing to put a stop to this epidemic in our county. Instead, it encourages those who would risk the lives and safety of not only their congregation and neighbors, but also anyone who comes in contact with them. We all want to reopen and spend time with our friends and family again. But we need to do it safely so we don't risk their lives. To date, we have lost six people to this epidemic in Randolph County. Would you support this resolution if they had been your parents or children? Susie Scott 5/11/20 Thank you for all you do. I support the resolution that is being considered Monday night. Gina Williamson Dear Commissioners, I urge you to vote against the resolution that would allow Randolph County businesses to open on a different schedule than the one outlined by Governor Cooper's recent executive orders. This is a very bad idea for the following reasons: I. It would create a hodgepodge of local regulations that would cause considerable confusion among Randolph County residents when they travel to surrounding counties. This would especially impact residents of the Archdale area, where I live, since the majority of these residents regularly commute to Guilford and Davidson counties to work. Frankly, it's ridiculous for each county to have its own set of reopening rules. 2. Governor Cooper's recent executive orders are not unconstitutional. North Carolina law specifically allows the governor to take such action during a public health emergency, and no reasonable person can argue that the coronavirus pandemic is not a health emergency. 3. The governor's order is not a violation of anyone's First Amendment right to freedom of religion. Since the stay-at-home order was issued, my family has enjoyed worship services via Facebook Live and in church parking lots. No one is prohibited from attending a worship service — it just can't be inside a building. Travel to and from a worship service is considered "essential travel" in the governor's order. 4. A reopening plan that is more relaxed that the state's plan could expose more Randolph County residents to health problems caused by the Coronavirus. According to the state Department of Health and Human Services, Randolph County already has a higher per capita infection rate that Guilford County, and a premature end to the stay-at-home order could make matters worse. 5. The protests against the executive orders have, in many instances, included heavily armed people. (We've all seen the photo of the guy in Raleigh ordering a Subway sandwich while carrying what looked like a rocket launcher.) Voting for this resolution would be bowing to pressure from these domestic terrorists. Thank you for your time and your dedication to serving the residents of Randolph County. Sincerely, Larry Thomas Please listen to our health and science leadership in NC. You have a responsibility to be advocates for the safety of our community. All lives matter. Do it because it's the right thing to do. Deborah Pickens. 5/11/20 Attachment B e-StatF- o f ,::5YOZtl2 CazoC[ILa OMF-7af Cousf o f UJtiCF- %z1zEt�-cS£v£n��Z �zosEeutozEa�.L�isf�ciet ANDREW M. GREGSON RANDOLPH COUNTY COURTHOUSE DISTRICT ATTORNEY 176 E. SALISBURY STREET, SUITE 305 PHONE: (336) 328-3010 May 11, 2020 ASHEBORO, NC 27203 FAX: (336) 328-3222 To: All Randolph County Commissioners Re: Prosecution of Criminal Charges for Violations of the Governor's Order Dear Honorable Commissioners, I write to you regarding the Governor's order pertaining to religious worship and my intent as District Attorney in the event criminal charges are brought for violations. Religious leaders and believers are contacting me, genuinely fearful that they will face criminal charges for holding or attending worship services in Randolph County. This is an intolerable situation and unfair to a free people. It should be unnecessary to point out that the free exercise of religion is one of the reasons this country was established and remains one of the most sacred of our individual rights. Since this issue is before you, I think it is fair the citizens of this county know where I stand. The office of the District Attorney (DA) is established in the N.C. Constitution. Like all state elected officials, DAs take an oath to support and defend the U.S. and N.C. Constitutions. The DA is vested with complete prosecutorial discretion over every criminal charge brought by law enforcement in their jurisdiction. The DA is to pursue justice; not just convictions. The DA is charged with protecting the Constitutional rights of all who are charged with a crime. Lastly, the DA is responsible for advising law enforcement. (N.C. Constitution, Article IV, Section 18) 1 believe it is likely that prosecution of an alleged violation of the order would invite a serious challenge regarding the order's legality. N.C. General Statute 166A -19.30(b) requires the concurrence of the Council of State before the Governor exercises the enumerated emergency powers. From information in the public realm it appears the Governor was denied this concurrence by the Council. The Governor then apparently chose to proceed with his order based on subsection (c) which does not require the concurrence of the Council but does require that the Governor declare essentially that local authorities have not or cannot take steps necessary to deal appropriately with the emergency. I believe a formidable challenge to any prosecution could be made on the basis that the Governor's determinations under subsection (c) are not supported by the evidence. Indeed, it appears that county and city officials across the state have done yeoman's work in competently responding to this emergency with almost exclusively local assets and control. In any event, this concern is eclipsed by the issue of the constitutionality of the order as applied to worship services. Government action impacting the right to the free exercise of religion under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is subject to the most stringent scrutiny under constitutional law. To survive, the law must be neutral in application, necessary to a "compelling state interest", "narrowly tailored" to achieve this compelling purpose, and use the "least restrictive means". As it relates to religious worship the Governor's order is not narrowly tailored, the least restrictive means, or applied neutrally. The order gives preferential treatment to secular gatherings, particularly retail shopping. For example, a whole host of retailers deemed 'essential are not limited to an arbitrary number of persons like religious services. Retailers are not required to conduct all business outdoors unless "impossible" like churches. The long and short of it is that the order treats different types of gatherings of citizens very differently with no credible, rational basis. The argument that a person is at greater risk because they are stationary in a worship service is specious. Under the order a person can spend hours or even all day in a retail establishment near possibly hundreds of people. For example, a person going to a large hardware store could easily spend more time choosing and ordering large appliances or custom cabinets or just shopping than they would attending a worship service. Are we to believe such a person is safer than they would be at church? Are we to believe all customers in such establishments simply dash in and spend no more than a few minutes there? This defies common sense and can be refuted by a visit to one of these businesses that have been allowed to remain open. I have heard some argue that the order is not unconstitutional because online or streaming services are permitted or that drive-in services are allowed. First, some who may wish to worship may not have access to online resources. Second, the First Amendment and N.C.'s Constitution explicitly protects the right to worship as a person's conscience commands them. It is not the role of any government official to tell a religious believer what is or is not important to the believer. Many believe that in-person attendance at a worship service is a critical part of a believer's spiritual life. The First Amendment guarantees the individual free exercise of religion, not the method of worship that meets the approval of a government official. My oath of office makes it clear that I bear the burden of supporting and defending the U.S. and N.C. Constitutions. Implicit in that oath is that I am empowered to interpret those documents and act accordingly when the exercise of individual rights is subject to criminal prosecution. The Governor's order placing restraints on worship services is unconstitutional as applied and due to its overbreadth. The order cannot survive strict scrutiny under constitutional analysis. It violates the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the unequivocal language of Article 1, Section 13 of the N.C. Constitution: All persons have a natural and inalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and no human authority shall, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience. Whether 1, or any person, thinks an inside corporate worship service is unwise or unsafe is irrelevant to constitutional analysis. God -granted individual rights are not subject to popularity surveys. They are not outdated or temporary but inalienable. As DA I cannot prevent charges from being brought against someone exercising religious beliefs in Randolph County, but I can and will do what I believe the Constitution requires when charges are brought. As I advised law enforcement in March, it is my opinion that the arrest or charge of a person for violating the Governor's order as it relates to religious worship is an unconstitutional act. As I have previously informed law enforcement in this county, I will take the appropriate action in the event charges are brought. Thank you for allowing me to write to you and for your consideration of my letter. Respectfully, Andrew M. Gregson District Attorney