Public comment resolution resolves nothing
Dear Editor:
Regarding the March 10 story (“County Commission passes new public comment resolution”), as is normal for our County Commission, they once again stop right at the line of what residents want and what is convenient for them. Residents want public comment at regular public meetings as it was once done with no issue. It’s not convenient for a shady Commission to have unannounced comments at recorded meetings. So rather than just putting it back as it was, they have decided to make it difficult. Obviously, with a veil of “We did it for you.”
As is now set, residents still have to announce their comments via online portal or phone call, they cannot yield time to others, are limited to three minutes and now have to go to a third meeting. With all these restrictions, one would assume that the commission is making it difficult so no one wants to jump through the hoops.
If you live here long enough, you may remember the old way. You just showed up at a regularly scheduled meeting, and have five minutes to speak. If you didn’t need the five minutes you could pass it on to someone that may be better able to speak or have more to say. Easy enough, right? Well, it’s not okay if you’re a commissioner whose ego and insecurity make them scared of what might be said.
If you want your public comment back, speak up at meetings regardless of what the rules are. Over-inundate their mail and email and make phone calls. Let them know you want non-restricted public comment. You could even volunteer to their competitors campaign in the next election. I know I will.
Marcos Marrero
Kissimmee
Imploring Senators to pass PHISLA
Dear Editor:
Since the beginning of the novel Coronavirus in 2019, over 964,000 individuals in the United States have passed away. Although the causes of death vary from person to person, the underlying health system is what fundamentally provides the adequate health care that is a human right.
In Congress, the current Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act (PHISLA, Senate Bill 674) aims to strengthen and support the existing health systems that have saved the lives of countless Americans throughout the pandemic. The bill is seeking $4.5 billion annually, 25 percent of which will be going to our own local health care facilities like Orlando Health and AdventHealth. The observed health disparities throughout the pandemic shed light on the crucial need for funding towards local health systems, especially those that have been most burdened by the COVID-19 impacts.
The virus does not discriminate among individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, or geographic location; therefore, legislation should not either. It is imperative that we provide equitable access to those who have experienced the greatest burden not only from COVID-19 but from systemic inequalities.
I implore Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott to co-sponsor the PHISLA, because access to health care is a human right.
Alejandra Mella-Velazquez
St. Cloud
