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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Bethlehem Joins Easton in Closing Building to Public

Like Easton, Bethlehem is closing its doors to the public in reaction to a spike in Covid-19 cases. While I understand the need to protect municipal workers, can't that be accomplished through masks, temperature checks and social distancing? What these cities are really doing is giving employees a paid vacation at our expense. They are hiding from the public they ostensibly serve. I am one of those people who believes government has a necessary role, especially in a pandemic. By turning tail and hiding, these cities send the message that perhaps smaller government is better after all.  

I am aware of only one employee who has been infected at the Northampton County courthouse since it was re-opened to the public. If there is demonstrable evidence that closure is necessary, this reaction would be understandable. But a government that closes its doors in a panic demonstrates no leadership at all. 

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

There is no leadership with in the PA government. The General Assembly decided to spend the 1.3 billion dollars of CARES Act money on its own budget vice the people Tom Wolf and his lock downs are hurting. It's pure typical politician blabber. Tom Wolf is going to sign the budget and yet claim he's begging the federal government for more money to give to restaurants who HE is closing with little evidence of spread in that business. Give me a break the government is one thing "a self fulfilling prophecy"

Anonymous said...

Some local govts never opened back up so wanna talk about govt waste and un-necessary payroll & associated benefits!

Anonymous said...

In response to commenters who think government should cut costs and tighten belts like the rest of us, you've previously posted your opinion that more government is required at times of crisis. Yet, this is the second round of running and hiding amid the CoViD crisis. It's evident that our government is not going to be there for us in troubled times. I think that's ultimately a good lesson for people who've grown soft and entitled. But those who don't go to work should be immediately laid off and put into the state unemployment program, like the rest of us. It exists for exactly this reason. It sucks, to be sure. But fair is fair.

Anonymous said...

Cynicism is not the same as wisdom.

Anonymous said...

You speak of government as if it is a faceless entity. It employs workers. Old people. People with underlying health problems. People with families. People who have to deal with a public consisting of many who refuse to mask or social distance or sanitize or believe it is all a hoax.
The functions of local governments haven't ceased operations. They are just closing their doors to the public. Quit bitching about it.

Anonymous said...

Masks, temp checks and social distancing were fine until it SPIKED after the Thanksgiving holiday and we're now experiencing a surge. Allowing public-sector employees just 3 weeks to stay at home this season could help to suppress this surge. This is not a denial of access to public services, but merely a temporary suspension of IN PERSON services. Keep in mind, many of these dedicated public-sector employees can and do work from home during this time and most services are available online.

And I know of at least 8 government center workers and 3 DRS workers who have tested positive and I don't even work there, so not sure where you're getting your info?

Bernie O'Hare said...

"The functions of local governments haven't ceased operations. They are just closing their doors to the public. Quit bitching about it."

That sounds like a very helpful local government worker. People like you ceased operations long ago.

"Keep in mind, many of these dedicated public-sector employees can and do work from home during this time and most services are available online."

Lol, I've seen how that works.

" I know of at least 8 government center workers and 3 DRS workers who have tested positive and I don't even work there, so not sure where you're getting your info?"

I know that, as of a few weeks ago, only one person at the courthouse had Covid-19. That was according to the county exec in his report to council. He works there and is the boss, so I'll take his word over someone who does not and is anonymous.

Anonymous said...

It is amazing that you cam make the most innocuous announcement a commercial for your new patron, McClure. Just amazing!

Anonymous said...

Actually "boss" is not as clear as you make it sound. This is not his empire, sorry about that!

Bernie O'Hare said...

He is the boss.

Anonymous said...

Get other jobs if they don't want to handle it.

Anonymous said...

Dec 15 @ 6:51 PM. Appears you may have had experience working with the Politburo. Your comments are appreciated Komrad.

Anonymous said...

There is more than 1 case of COVID for Northampton County employees.

Check with McClure again. If he says otherwise, he just didn't get good information.

Anonymous said...

This is a two way street. I agree that it is bad when government closes but then the other flip to the coin is that there are very special (and not in a good way) people who show up at the government sights not wearing mask, or with COVID (known and unknowningly). For those of you that believe in stand your ground if someone shows up to a space that dictates wearing a mask wouldn't that be an overt threat to other in the area who are abiding by the guidelines. Just like walking through past or around a space where entrance says no weapons and has a metal detector. Under being a threat that could commit harm shouldn't the offender in that case immediately be put down and arrested. And if testing positive upon arrest should they then be charge with intent and also be charged with biological legal actions? Or should a person have the right under stand your ground to shoot a non mask wearing person within their 6 foot safe space a perceived threat?

Anonymous said...

There is more than 1 county employee that have been diagnosed with COVID. Boss or not. He may not be aware of all the cases, i'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

Anonymous said...

December 16, 2020 @ 6:26 AM
Your opinion is appreciated QAnon believer.