rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
BRADFORD — Commissioners spoke about tyranny and the rights of Bradford County people during their online zoom/Facebook live meeting on Thursday, May 14.
On the agenda, Daryl Miller and Doug McLinko approved a new resolution to the Bill of Rights, stating that they “commit to the obvious” concerning the resolution and reiterated that they have a civil responsibility to Bradford County and its residents.
“I will proudly make that motion to approve,” said McLinko. “I will proudly second,” said Daryl.
“There is nothing constitutional about what is going on,” said McLinko, referring to the state decisions by Gov. Wolf. “Please hang in there. We will never give up our liberties.”
“I am dumbfounded that we have to even restate the obvious,” said Miller, concerning the Bill of Rights resolution.
“I thank the District Attorney for the press release to all our local media outlets,” said McLinko. “I am proud of the position he took.”
Bradford County Sheriff CJ Walker thanked the commissioners for “ensuring the loyalty to our citizens and to our county. We’re in this together. I am proud to be sheriff and to work with the commissioners,” said Walker. Walker stated that anyone with questions regarding opening business are free to reach out to him.
Both commissioners stated that they do not have the authority whether or not to tell Bradford County residents to open, or even comply with Gov. Wolf’s decisions, which also includes local churches gathering.
Election
Polling places will be open for this year’s primary election on June 2. There will be one change according to commissioners, which is that Burlington Township voting will be moved across the driveway to the township’s garage in order to comply with social distancing.
Mail-in ballots will also be received as well.
Questions can be answered online can be directed to Renee Smithkors.
Nancy Schrader asked about increase pay for poll workers and commissioners’ only comment was that Renee had been working on that issue.
Smithkors also reported that polls will not require voters to wear masks while voting, but will strongly encourage that and physical distancing. Workers will have access to masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and the use of plexiglass shields.
“We will always encourage our residents to be safe and make decisions to look over their own well being.”
Other news
COVID-19 updates are stable, according to commissioners. So far, there have been two Bradford County deaths and a fluctuation of numbers of positive cases, ranging from 36-39.
“The numbers aren’t changing significantly,” said Miller, “Updates will be done on an as-needed basis.”
Commissioners approved approved a few proclamations during the online meeting as well.
The first proclamation was for May 7 being declared National Day of Prayer.
The second proclamation was for May 10-16, which will be named “Police Week” and May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor the service and sacrifice of those law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy. Sheriff Chad Walker read the proclamation and said thank you to commissioners.
“We are reminded daily we have professional law enforcement in this county,” said Walker. “I am proud of all of them.”
“We are appreciative of all you do,” said Miller.
“Thank you,” said McLinko. “This is a reminder of the importance of what you do and the danger you face.”
May 10-17 was also declared National Skilled Nursing Week in Bradford County.
“Special people work in nursing homes. I grew up in that atmosphere. We’d like to thank them very much and wish for them to stay safe,” said McLinko. “They’re treating and caring for people who are highly susceptible to COVID-19,” said Daryl.
Lastly, May 17-23 was declared Emergency Medical Service Week in Bradford County.
County Commissioner Ed Bustin, who had recently passed away, was very involved in EMS.
“This is the first line of care when people call 911 for help,” said Miller. “Commissioner Bustin was very passionate about EMS and I am a former EMT myself. We are very thankful for all who are involved in EMS.”
Commissioners also gave a brief update on high speed internet, stating that they are still pushing ahead to get every home in Bradford County covered.
The U.S. Census was also a topic of discussion. Commissioners stressed how important it is for Bradford County residents to participate in the survey.
Three 5K runs are still being planned as scheduled and are in honor of the late Commissioner Ed Bustin who loved participating in local 5Ks.
After an hour-long Zoom meeting, commissioners dismissed for a prison board meeting scheduled for 11 a.m. and thanked those who asked questions. The Facebook live reached around 50 people total. The next Bradford County Commissioners meeting is Thursday, May 28 at 10 a.m.