Chiefland Mayor Chis Jones, responding to criticism from a journalist (not Spotlight) who said he has made a personal choice not to wear a mask.

By Terry Witt -Spotlight Senior Reporter

                Chiefland Mayor Chris Jones said he isn’t living in fear of COVID-19 and he isn’t going to wear a mask despite criticism from a local journalist.

            Jones said he recognizes the danger of the virus and he takes precautions but at the same time he has made a personal choice not to wear a mask.

            Speaking to commissioners and audience members at Monday’s board meeting, Jones said a journalist accused the commission of not using safe procedures with kids present and criticized the mayor for not wearing a mask.

            “My opinion, with all this COVID situation I’m very aware of it. I’ve had a second cousin die from it and a friend died from it so I’m very aware of it. It’s real,” Jones said. “However, I’m going to take precautions. I’m not going to let someone threaten me with it because of their opinion I don’t share.”

            He added, “I think when we hold these positions whether you’re the President or the mayor, I’m going to have an opinion. We may not agree. However it’s my opinion, you have your opinion. As the mayor, it’s my right and privilege.”

            Jones said the journalist and himself have an opportunity to wear a mask.

            “I’m probably the most susceptible person in this room picking up the virus, but I refuse to wear the mask – personal reasons – that’s personal reasons. It’s my choice. That’s my rant tonight,” Jones said.

            Jones said afterward that he has been accused of supporting President Trump but he said the mask issue just boils down to a personal choice on his part. He doesn’t wear a mask.

            Joe Biden, the Democrat nominee for president, advocates for a national mask mandate if he is elected president but isn’t clear on whether he would have presidential authority to enforce it.

            President Trump, the polar opposite of Biden, advocates giving people a choice as to whether they want to wear a mask. He predicts a COVID-19 vaccine is likely to be released by later this year.

———————

City of Chiefland Regular Meeting October 27, 2020; Posted October 27, 2020