Over the past week I asked Adams County lawmakers at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as candidates for elected office, to tell us their opinions about the use of facemasks.
Each lawmaker we contacted, with the exception of U.S. Representative John Joyce and State Senator Doug Mastriano, said we should be wearing them. Neither Joyce nor Mastriano replied to our requests for a statement.
Mastriano vehemently opposes the requirement to use face masks in public spaces.
Senator Pat Toomey has been urging Pennsylvania residents to wear masks in public since March. In a Facebook statement on March 28 2020, Toomey said
“Research shows that fluids spread when coughing/sneezing are a big transmitter of COVID-19. Each of us needs to do what we can to stop the spread. One easy thing we all can do, today, is wear homemade masks in public. My mask could help you, your mask could help me.”
Senator Bob Casey, in a recent Facebook statement, said:
“When you wear a mask, you are sending a clear message to others in your community that you care about them and their well-being as much as your own. I know that if we each do our part, we will beat this virus and be able to start safely rebuilding together.”
Todd Rowley, Candidate for U.S. House from Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District
“Data reflects that COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Pennsylvania and throughout the 13th Congressional District. Wearing a facemask or cloth face covering over your mouth and nose when in public places, as well as practicing social distancing (six feet) and washing our hands frequently can make a significant difference in helping to prevent the spread of this deadly virus.
We all need to work together and by everyone following these fundamental safety guidelines we can have a positive impact in combating this virus. Remember, by wearing a mask you are protecting your fellow citizen and in turn we are all showing our care and respect for one another. We can only beat this virus by being unified in our shared concern and efforts against this deadly virus.”
Jim Martin, Adams County Commissioner
“I support the policy of wearing face coverings when social distancing cannot be maintained. I do not recommend wearing face masks for prolonged periods of time. Reports I have read indicate that this can be detrimental to one’s health.
I consider wearing a face mask to drive a vehicle to be a health and safety concern. I recommend that those with underlying respiratory/health issues wear a face shield rather than a mask.
I oppose fining or incarcerating an individual that does not wear a face covering.”
Randy Phiel, Adams County Commissioner
“I would urge all Adams County residents to follow guidelines that reduce the potential for contracting or spreading COVID. All staff and visitors entering county buildings must be wearing a mask and have their temperature scanned. The number of visitors allowed in an office at one time is defined. Unfortunately, we have yet to develop a vaccine and we hope that 2021 results in that lifesaving breakthrough. At this time, no one is immune from contracting this virus which exhibits in so many different ways, with widely varying degrees of illness, depending on the person that contracts it. We can hopefully practice the right balance of respect for our fellow citizens, science, data and common sense.”
Dan Moul, State Representative
“Research shows that people who are talking, singing, sneezing, or shouting spread droplets of fluid from your body. When people have masks on these actions show very little spread. If it helps I want to put one on.
Mask-wearing is likely to be the norm for some time. If you’re sitting 3 feet away from another person at a banquet, you’re breathing in all of their droplets and they’re breathing in yours.
Anyone who doesn’t comply should be asked to leave.”
Marty Qually, Adams County Commissioner:
“We all need to do our part to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearing masks, using proper social distancing, self-quarantining after a potential exposure, and practicing good hand washing hygiene are proven ways to slow the spread of the virus. It’s really just that simple. As a responsible citizen and as an elected official I have a duty to model these behaviors.”
Jake Schindel, Gettysburg Borough Council President
“I do not like wearing masks but we all need to keep in mind that to get ahead of this we all need to wear masks. It is very important that we continue to wear masks going into the fall. We’ve done a pretty good job her in Adams County at keeping our case numbers low and contain our deaths but I think it’s important that we stay vigilant.”
Rich Sterner, Candidate for State Senate in the General Assembly, 33rd District
“This simple act of wearing a mask has become politicized, spiritualized, and personalized. I have been denigrated and judged on multiple occasions for wearing mine. But someone needs to explain to me how wearing a mask has “removed my constitutional rights.” Soldiers have been trained to use masks since World War I. They’ve carried them, complained about them, and disliked them. But, they’ve worn them because sometimes it’s necessary! Perhaps we need to think of these pandemic masks in similar terms. These masks do not remove our freedoms; they are weapons for defending our freedom to live a healthy life. If we all wear masks, we can get back to normal life more quickly, save lives (many of them, according to experts), and see our economy re-opening faster.
So please, enough of this “don’t wear a mask” nonsense (except for rare and specific medical reasons!). The only way through this mess is to get through this mess. We can’t wish it away. We can’t pretend that COVID 19 does not exist. It does, and it has killed 154,000 Americans, of all political parties, since February. Let’s fight for freedom; let’s put a mask on.”
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.