Over the last few weeks I’ve had the opportunity to deeply understand how divided our community is in regards to Covid-19.  Our city commission has struggled with the appropriateness of having/hosting events during a pandemic.  The most concerning of these events has been the concerts scheduled by Epic Events at the new Lights plaza.  I have received dozens of emails and calls on this topic; both for and against these events.  I was quoted in the Forum saying that if the Hairball concert on August 1^st didn’t manage social distance properly I would vote to cancel the concerts.  That is still my opinion…that these concerts should be cancelled.  Let me explain a little more where this issue is stuck. 

First, although each commissioner was offered a pair of free VIP tickets, I didn’t attend the concert (accepting these from Epic wouldn’t have been proper).  I saw lots of pictures and videos of this event.  Commissioner Mandy George did attend the concert and admitted in last night’s commission meeting that social distance wasn’t being maintained.  These images and reports suggest to me that West Fargo Events and Epic Events did NOT sufficiently meet the guidelines provided by the State of North Dakota to enforce social distance at all large events. 

Secondly, the Fargo Forum article seemed to suggest to people that I was the swing vote on this issue.  That isn’t the case.  I’ve stated (privately and publicly) for months that concerts shouldn’t happen in a Pandemic.  It was very clear in last night’s discussion that Commissioner Olson and myself would have been the minority votes to cancel these concerts.  It was based on those comments along with it being a non-agenda item as to why there wasn’t a vote.  I should also clarify that I support our modified versions of the Street Fair, Cruise Night, and West Fest.  For these events we’ve made changes that attempt to find a middle ground and increased safety. 

Finally, a few random thoughts.  This is NOT a question of freedom (as some have suggested).  There is no constitutional right to attend Hairball.  I love a good rock concert; but, no concert is worth the potential risk to our economy and schools during a pandemic.  I also don’t understand how some are suggesting these events are justified because of mental health.  I understand the importance of mental health but how do you balance/justify that with a pandemic that is kiling over 1,000 americans a day.  One person’s mental health is not worth more than another person’s life.  There are other ways to get outside and have social activites in a safe way which does not create community risk.    

It’s a complicated issue and unfortunately has become a very political one.  My opinion hasn’t really changed on this for months.  Ideally, I want these events to happen; however, in a pandemic I think we need should look towards our state, CDC, and Whitehouse for guidance.  We are NOT meeting the guidelines put forth by any of those organizations with these concerts.