When will the citizens of Ocean Shores be able to attend in-person council meetings? The Convention Center has plenty of seating available for 50 or 60 people. We will wear our masks and stay 6 feet apart. The governor has already established these guidelines for gatherings. Why is the council choosing to ignore these guidelines and keep the citizens from attending council meetings?

The restaurants have returned to indoor seating. The grocery store and marijuana store have always been open. Our beaches are packed with tourists and residents. The schools are now opening and the convention center will be opening.

We want to be at the beach, we want the businesses open and we want our kids in school. We also want to attend the council meetings.

You tell us you are still worried about Covid-19. You tell us the citizens can watch and speak, via live Zoom, and they can send in a written comment. Those citizens not wanting to attend, in person, can still watch the meetings via Zoom and they can still send in their written comments. That is their choice.

What has happened to the idea of “transparent government?” What is your real reason for not having in person meetings?

Ocean Shores council members — it is time to open the doors!

Jan Hiatt

Ocean Shores