Guest Article: “We Simply Want to Use Common Sense”

By Scott VanSingel 100th District State Representative
 
Friday's Supreme Court ruling left us with as many questions as answers.  First, I would like to assure people that the ruling was not a denial of science, a denial of the very real threat of this virus, or a hyper-partisan stunt.  The ruling was simply a confirmation that we have three co-equal branches of government and that the state cannot be run indefinitely by one person in one branch of government.  
 
Going forward, the legislature, the branch closest to the people, will now have a voice in determining an appropriate action plan to combat this virus and keep the public safe.  This is what we had asked for from the beginning, but were unfortunately closed out of the process.  Some of the governor's actions we agree with and will continue.  Others, like the mask mandate for outdoor student athletes will likely not continue.  We simply want to use common sense and science to make sound decisions for our local communities.  Allowing a more local approach, perhaps county by county, may be a part of the plan going forward.  
 
Our elected officials; state, local, and federal, all care about the balance of protecting public health and balancing that with protecting civil liberties and our constitution.  None of us have been through a crisis like this before and we have different visions.  Our nation has survived every crisis we have faced in our 244 years, and I'm confident we will emerge from this stronger than ever.

---