I deem it necessary to provide corrections and comments to the front-page story about protesters in Durango recently (Jan. 15, “Durango police dismayed after protesters show up at health director’s home.”) I witnessed the protest.
First off, the demonstration was not in “front of” San Juan Basin Public Health’s Executive Director Liane Jollon’s home, not even visible from her front door. Secondly, it did not take place on a private road; it took place on a public sidewalk. Thirdly, the staff of SJBPH have been working from home since last March. Since the publicly funded employees of SJBPH have moved their offices to their homes, their homes have become the offices of the agency. Demonstrating in front of an empty office building would be quite pointless.
Lastly, it is not Jollon’s job to enforce state orders, mandates and rules that go against the Constitution. “All laws which are repugnant to the Constitution are null and void” Marburg vs. Madison, 5 US(2 Cranch) 137,174,176(1803). Such mandates are not law, and are not binding on the public. SJBPH cannot enforce orders that negatively affect a person’s business withou compensation.
Sending police to threaten business owners is harassment and needs to stop. The demonstration was obviously needed to get Jollon’s attention. Maybe now she will return phone calls and emails and assure the technology works on her end so the infrequent public meetings can be attended by the public.
Prevention of further spotlighting of this oppressive agency’s actions is in her hands!
Marybeth SnyderPagosa Springs
