In a recent statement our 106th District Rep. Sue Allor attempted to blame Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for the economic woes of our state. She said “many businesses will not survive Gov. Whitmer’s orders, as many families have already been dealing with crippling financial stress caused by the restrictions she has imposed.” This is reflective of the narrow-minded thinking of the Republican caucus in the state House of Representatives and it serves no productive purpose.

Indeed, it is the COVID-19 virus that has caused our financial woes not the assertiveness of our governor. The public health crisis and the economic crisis are mutually exclusive. We must solve one before we can solve the other. People are not going to participate in an economic system if it requires them to jeopardize their lives. This is especially true of our senior population here in northern Michigan.

And speaking of the seniors, it might be wise for Rep. Allor and all of Lansing to focus on getting testing and tracing for our nursing home and assisted living center employees. They are currently being screened each day using temperature checks but that does not red flag those who are asymptomatic. That is the least we can do to protect our most vulnerable folks. Issues such as these are the important ones on which Rep. Allor and all of our Lansing leaders must focus instead of making feeble attempts to place blame for our current economic recession.

ROBERT KENNEDY,

Harrisville