For Ellis Arnold to declare in his July 13 article “County to hold town hall on PrideFest, fairgrounds policy” that “some area residents have expressed concern with last August's drag show” is such an understatement that he should be given some time off to reassess the world, which is not as woke as he thinks. He might start by speaking with our commissioners who are trying to survive this storm of public reaction.

Yes, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is hosting a town hall on July 26 to clarify fairground regulations. In addition to discussion, what they should also include are actions to take when PrideFest once again violates the regulations.

To determine what we can expect from the BOCC let's honestly look at commissioner motives. Lora was previously a police officer who enjoys the pleasure of defining and enforcing rules and being on the right side against those of us who are wrong. In the July 13 article she wonders out loud whether the county is the “right convener” for the conversation, a conversation she can't win. Lora's argument against the majority is that the county will be sued over her decision to put an end to PrideFest by doing the responsible and right thing. Abe on the other hand is leaning toward having a panel decide, but this however is a public issue and the BOCC is elected to represent us, not pigeonhole the issue out of sight. Abe is an attorney who enjoys negotiating more than resolving issues and he's bathing in the heat from PrideFest. But Abe, you can't have it both ways, on one hand hearing from people about “the issues on all sides” and on the other delegating the issue to a panel. Commissioner Teals motives for a solution are clear. He wants the public discussion to continue where he identifies the current problem as education about what's viable and feasible.

Both Laura and Abe keep the issue from being resolved by hiding behind the First Amendment. Who doesn't support the freedom of speech but the BOCC can decide when there are options such as restricting PrideFest to people 18 years or changing the policy for all events to be family friendly.

What hasn't been discussed is putting the fairground policy on the ballot where the answer is obvious.

Smith Young

Parker