During the council comment portion of the Sept. 21 Castle Rock Town Council meeting, Mayor Jason Gray said he is continually getting emails and questions from the public regarding what they should do during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gray said he, along with other council members, are happy to receive public questions and comments, but stressed they are not the experts to weigh in on health issues surrounding the ongoing pandemic.

Going a step further, Gray said he also does not turn to news channels such as CNN or Fox News to get medical advice. Gray said he also does not consider social media discussions as an appropriate source for expert advice.

Instead, Gray said he is turning to his doctor for true medical advice.

“If you trust your doctor, ask them for advice,” he said. “If you do not trust your doctor, you probably do not have the right doctor.”

After the meeting, when asked why he brought up the issue, Gray said over the last 18 months he and other councilmembers have received a lot of questions and comments from residents who just want their voices to be heard.

“I have received questions, comments, demands from citizens with sincere concerns, anger, and general discontent,” Gray said. “I just have not spoken up about it very much. It is my job to see all sides of an issue and I am sincerely trying.”

Starting in January 2020, Gray said, the town has been working to do everything it can to address concerns with COVID.

“Constituents should know that no matter how many meetings, emails, phone calls, webinars, or Zoom meetings — no matter how much I care and no matter how much I emphasize and sympathize — I am not an expert,” he said. "I could go on about news, social media and such. My suggestion is to talk to someone who you truly trust. I trust my doctor. Beyond that, my ask is to be civil, comforting, and compassionate. Be good to each other.”

On a regular basis, Gray has encouraged all residents, business owners and town officials to be respectful and patient in maneuvering through the pandemic.

Recently, Gray, a local business owner, said he is not struggling with full-time staff, but has had issues with part-time staffing at the Crowfoot Valley Coffee. He said other businesses, in every sector, are dealing with staff shortages, and struggling.

As businesses are struggling through restrictions, regulations and staffing, Gray said he hopes everyone can try to be more patient and understanding.