rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
TOWANDA — Commissioners welcomed Guthrie Representative Michael Scalzone, MD, at their Zoom meeting on Thursday, Feb. 11. Scalzone answered COVID-19 questions in place of Guthrie President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph A. Scopelliti. On behalf of Bradford County residents, Commissioner Daryl Miller asked about 20 questions concerning the COVID vaccine.
Questions about the vaccine included topics of how long the research behind the vaccine took, how to make an appointment, exposure to the virus and more.
Scalzone reminded the public that if you are vaccinated to still wear your mask out in public because you could still carry the virus, as the vaccine is not 100% effective.
“What we think is, when you’re first exposed to the virus, it does take a short period of time for your body to respond to that and create the antibodies which will protect the person who has been vaccinated. So, it’s theoretical that you will carry that virus for a short period of time and could spread it with that,” said Scalzone. For more information, go to www.guthrie.org/safety-hospitals-and-clinics/covid-vaccine-information or watch the full video of the meeting at BC Commissioners’ Facebook page.
Addressing news
Commissioners also addressed the on-going news coverage of District Attorney Chad Salsman.
Commissioner Daryl Miller started off by stating that due to recommendations by their own solicitor, Johnathan Foster Jr., they have chosen not to respond to the allegations brought fourth on Salsman.
“What I’d like to say, I can’t. This situation is disturbing, disgusting and appalling,” said Commissioner Miller.
“I abhor all allegations against women and children,” agreed commissioner Doug McLinko.
Solicitor Foster stated that the county’s position on the matter is that they are sympathetic to the victims and they take these accusations seriously.
Foster reminded the public that the District Attorney is an elected official, but not a county employee. His salary is determined by the state.
Other news
Commissioners approved Resolution 2021-01 to allocated a $60,000 donation to the LeRoy Heritage Association. With this money the association plans to continue renovations in the facility.
Commissioners also approved Resolution 2021-02 to donate $10,000 to the Bradford Humane Society to help them pay for a an animal control/dog warden position.
“This is on top of the roughly $7,500 we budget to donate them to every year,” said Commissioner Daryl Miller.
An application for the Department of Community and Economic Development for CHIRP grant funds was submitted on Feb. 8, commissioners announced. The amount of $680,000 for the program will go back to the Hospitality Industry and Recovery Program due to loss of funds from COVID-19.
“Shop local if you can,” said Commissioner Doug McLinko.
The next Bradford County Commissioners meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 25, at 10 a.m.