When I moved to Durango almost four years ago, I was struck by two things: the stunning natural beauty and the wonderful feeling of community.
I have appreciated how hard local government and the citizens of Durango work to foster this feeling of closeness and inclusiveness and have often referred to Durango as the perfect small town. So it has been with disappointment and bewilderment I read the article regarding City Council not enforcing a mask rule (“Durango considers mandatory masks, but demurs,” May 12).
I have seen so many not wearing masks when in public, and while I’m not sure what the mentality of those refusing to do such a simple thing might be, the message is loud and clear: “I don’t care about anyone but me.”
I wear a mask, not for myself, but for my friends and neighbors. It says I care about your health and I want to get our businesses back up and running as soon as possible. I want children back at school and with their friends come September. I want seniors to feel safe and know they are valued members of our community. It says I want this virus contained and life to get back as close to normal as possible, as soon as possible.
By refusing to wear a mask you are only prolonging the misery. What good is it to open businesses if no one feels safe patronizing them? What’s the point of opening up if employees can’t work because their children can’t go to school?
We must come together as a community to defeat this thing.
Deborah EvertonDurango
