25 minute read
Letters
The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc.
Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Advertisement
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors.
Letters Policy
The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com.
Photo of the Week: Vote!
Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com
Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com
Reporter & Copy Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com
Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser, production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com
Advertising Sales Molly Ernst sales@pointrobertspress.com
Contributors In This Issue Doug Dahl
The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVI, No 20 Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
Next issue: Nov. 5 Ads due: Oct. 30
s Election Day 2020 is Tuesday, November 3, and the League of Women Voters encourages everyone to vote.
Letters
From the archives LWV.org
The Editor:
I would like to thank our local UPS driver and a lady motorist for helping me with a traumatic incident yesterday on H Street and Ronald Drive. I was walking my dog at the nearby cemetery, when she took off after a deer, tried to cross H Street and got hit by a car. These two good Samaritans kindly carried my dog and stayed with her while I ran to my house to get my car. They then helped me carry her gently into the back of my vehicle. Unfortunately, my Molly passed away this morning as she had been hit hard and her injuries were severe. My heart is broken, but I am so grateful for the kindness of these two strangers, that got me through the initial shock of the accident. It’s comforting to know there are still many good people today. To the UPS driver and lady who helped me yesterday, I just want to say thank you.
Eloisa Townsend
Blaine
The Editor:
Newspapers, television, magazines, and social media present endless remedies to change political and social platforms for leaders, followers and the in-betweens. I reminisce the days when signs read, “Peace not war,” and songs chorused, “All we need is love,” and that infamous Coca-Cola commercial where a chorus crowd sang, “I’d like to teach the world to sing (in perfect harmony).” We all knew that drinking Coca-Cola would not stop the world’s problems, though some would debate this, but the message was clear: Love one another.
There lies within all of us three commonalities: Our blood is red; our heart has the ability to love regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, and political and social stance; and in the deepest reaches of our heart is soul, that incredible place that defines us as a unique individual unlike any other. It is here, that the heart of man births love and guidance of thought and action.
A current theme in communities is the statement, “We’re in this together.” Yes, despite our differences or commonalities, we are. The ’80s song writer, Wayne Watson, penned, “Baby, it all comes back to you and me.” What does? The prevailing wind of our radical love for one another.
There is a story told that in 1900, The London Times posted a question to its audience of readers: “What is wrong with the world?” Of the responses received, one held the reader captive in thought. G. K. Chesterton, English writer, philosopher and poet, replied, “Dear sirs, I am.”
Shirley Sell
Blaine
The Editor:
On Tuesday, October 20, my friend and I were meeting in front of Starbucks to walk our dogs. I had three in the car and was leashing my whippet when my saluki leaped past me and onto the sidewalk. He proceeded to run at a slow pace down the sidewalk and then decided to cross the street a few times back and forth. People who were outside tried to corral him but no dice. I noticed a Border Patrol truck coming toward where we were. He saw what was going on and immediately parked his vehicle and stood in the middle of the street to try to control traffic. Eventually, we got my saluki back into my vehicle and I thanked everyone for their help. However, I did not get a name of the Border Patrol agent who stopped traffic and tried to help.
Whoever he is, if he reads this, I would like to thank him from the bottom of my heart. Traffic was not going fast but if a dog darts out, it is still dangerous being hit by a car.
I am grateful for all the help. It was very scary.
Marie Anti
Custer
The Editor:
More than 69 million babies have been aborted since the 1973 Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision. Here are a few facts regarding one of the most contentious and profoundly important issues of our time.
Less than 8 percent of abortions are performed due to medical risk to mother or child, or rape and incest. More than 93 percent of all abortions are elective. Quoting from an Alan Guttmacher Institute source, a staunchly pro-choice organization, “The reasons most frequently cited [for having an abortion] were that having a child would interfere with a woman’s education, work or ability to care for dependents (74 percent); that she could not afford a baby now (73 percent); … she did not want to be a single mother or was having relationship problems (48 percent). Nearly four in 10 women said they had completed their childbearing, and almost one-third were not ready to have a child”
Prior to 1973, less than 6 percent of women who were considering abortion chose to put their baby up for adoption. By 2002 that number dropped to less than 1 percent.(National Council for Adop(See Letters, page 5)
B y I an H aupt
Whatcom County Council added funds to the Birch Bay berm’s project budget on October 13. The budget increase will ensure that any construction, cultural and Covid-19 issues that may arise won’t affect the project’s completion, according to the ordinance.
After the $841,786 increase, the project budget is now $15,291,786.
Public works secured those additional funds from the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management fund and the Surface Transportation Block Grant federal fund along with $500,000 from the 2020 Road Fund Capital Budget, according to the ordinance.
Whatcom County engineering manager Jim Karcher said in an October 22 meeting that public works wants to have enough money in the project budget to handle any unforeseen construction issues or delays. If it’s not needed, the money would go back into the road fund when the project is completed, he said.
Letters ...
From page 4
tion, 2002 CDC report on Adoption statistics). Quoting from an American Adoption website article “Abortion or Adoption – Know the Facts Before Making a Decision,” “from Oct. 1, 2015, to Sept. 30, 2016, the organization [Planned Parenthood] performed 321,384 abortions and only 3,889 adoption referrals.” (Planned Parenthood: 2016 – 2017 annual report).
What happened in the U.S. that it has become common that the decision to end the life of a child could be equated to a career decision? Consider the rights of unborn children when you vote this year. Consider that every day in the U.S. more than 1,600 babies will die unknown in their mother’s wombs; unwanted, torn apart, put in bags and thrown out. But not forgotten. Not by the God, who made them, and not by the millions of people who would love them if they had the chance.
Dan Rudolph
Blaine
The Editor:
Whatcom County Executive Satpal Singh Sidhu and Mayor Seth Fleetwood, through their recent listening sessions on race and social justice, launched an open and transparent process that is identifying essential issues of race and social justice. I admire their openness and awareness that such controversial and sensitive topics benefit from widespread community input and a structured process that allows equitable input.
I hope this will be only the beginning of efforts toward more inclusive formats as our democratically-minded community (and society) wrestle with many issues we have ignored for too long and are now committed many who are working to resolve fessional mediators. Information The Whatcom Dispute Reslives. For these mediation sering scale, contact the WDRC at email: Wdrc@whatcomdrc.org or Currently, all workshops and
CITY OF BLAINE
Due to COVID-19 and the Governor’s Proclamation, meetings are now only open to the public telephonically. Information on how to listen to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda. Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the call in number or location may change.
Monday, November 2 4:30pm – Study Session – East Blaine Sewer and Power Cost Allocation Analysis
Monday, November 9
4:00pm – Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee (BTAC) 2021 Budget s Granite Construction crew lay and level limestone for the Birch Bay berm bicycle and pedestrian path- Improvement Plan (CIP)way on the south side of the bay on October 27. Photo by Ian Haupt 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Public Hearing (continued) – The project, officially called the Birch Bay Drive and Pedesthe west side of Birch Bay Drive on the north end of the bay and The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce hosted this phase Proposed Property Tax Levy Public Hearing – 2021 Budget trian Facility Project, is in the laying a limestone path for bicy- of the project’s second “Coffee Tuesday, November 10second phase of construction. cles and pedestrians from Terrell with the Contractor” meeting via 8am – Blaine Tourism The county’s contractor, Granite Creek to the Bay Breeze Restau- Zoom on October 22 for residents Advisory Committee Construction, is currently in- rant and Bar, at the south end of stalling stormwater basins along the project. (See Berm, page 6) All City offices are currently
closed to the public. Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be
to confronting. I agree with the The Immigration Law Firm Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website. found on the City’s website. county executive’s statement that www.cityofblaine.com joint problem solving is when • U.S. green cards / naturalization • U.S. green cards / naturalization governments work best. Working together on the many issues that face us will bring us into conflict • Work / investor visas • Denied entry waivers • Inadmissibility waivers • TN (NAFTA) work permits as we seek pathways and solu- • Removal hearings • NEXUS appeals • U.S. Citizenship claimstions. Conflict is inevitable and can be a constructive and very 360-332-7100 360-332-7100 Blaine powerful force. It is not something we can or should avoid. October is Conflict Resolution Month: A time we celebrate the Leonard D.M. Saunders, Attorney at Law www.blaineimmigration.com • 435 Martin St., Suite 2010 • Blaine, WA www.blaineimmigration.com • 435 Martin St., Suite 1010 • Blaine, WA Leonard D.M. Saunders, Attorney at Law United Church of Christ conflicts of their own or working CITY OF BLAINE "Where friendly as professionals to manage and reduce conflict. October could also be a time when Whatcom CIVIL ENGINEER people gather and become family" County residents try to build our conflict resolution skills as par- Salary Range: $5,903 - $7,469 per month Sunday Services ents, partners, activists, group members, health care providers, plus 5% deferred compensation and benefits Under general direction of the Engineering Programs Director, performs 10:30 am teachers, or just concerned citizens hoping to have a positive influence from the side-lines. professional-level engineering work activities involving water, sewer, electric, stormwater, and street system analysis and other municipal facility construction, including reviewing and preparing plans, project budgets, and change orders; Jesus didn’t turn people away
The Whatcom Dispute Reso- works with private consultants, engineers, and developers on development lution Center offers many short improvement projects including review and management. Neither do we. skill-building workshops for the public and professionals, as well as more extensive training for those wishing to become proInterested persons should complete the online application on the City’s website, https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/. The position is open until filled. (360) 332-6906 885 4th St. • Blaine, WA 98230 Pastor Sandy Wisecarver can be found on the web, whatcomdrc.org, and Facebook at facebook.com/whatcomdrc. Thank you for supporting local journalism.
olution Center also offers me- What some people have written: diation services for those seeking assistance with a current or “Been reading the Light for 12 years now, lots of good information and reading. chronic ongoing conflict in their Have a great day!” -Mark Knott vices, which are offered on a slid- This week’s supporters: Kathy Ells • Mark Knott • Zse Zse Nevins by phone 360/ 676-0122. You can also contribute online at thenorthernlight.com
5:00pm – 2021 Capital services are offered in online formats. Catherine A. Riordan, board member, Whatcom Dispute Please Support This Newspaper Name: Email: Address:
Resolution Center Bellingham $24 City: State:
Please send letters to (or whatever you can) Zip: Community Newspaper for Blaine & Birch Bay letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday. MAIL TO: The Northern Light, 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 l 360/332-1777
ALLEY AUTO INC 365 D Street • 360-332-7018 MON-FRI 8AM TO 5:30PM
We Install Quality NAPA Parts.
We’re small, but we have it all! In stock, same day or next day service! Your one-stop shop for all your automotive needs!
We won’t be undersold on all truck, car and motorhome tires!
Whatcom County is voting early at more than double the rate in 2016
B y O l I ver l azen B y
People across the state and country are voting earlier than usual in this election, and Whatcom County is no exception.
On October 27, one week before Election Day on Tuesday, November 3, the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office had received 82,765 ballots. That’s more than half of all ballots from the 157,715 registered voters in the county and more than double the number of ballots that had been returned at the same point in the 2016 presidential election.
One week before Election Day in 2016, about 39,318 people had cast their ballots, according to data from the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office.
The rush to vote early is a break from the norm. County auditor
Berm ...
From page 5 to ask the project’s contractor questions. In the meeting, Gairrett Orelup with Granite Construction and Karcher gave updates on the project and answered a few questions from residents.
“I think in general, both the community and the county and Granite have been working very smoothly together,” Karcher said.
There are single-lane closures on Birch Bay Drive while crews work on the berm. Public works staff said wait times should be less than five minutes.
Starting in November, the crew will likely be working night shifts for the remainder of the project to maximize construction time during low tides, Orelup said. According to tide-forecast.com, the lowest low tides in Birch Bay Diana Bradrick said that in a typical election, about half the ballots come in four days the week of the election.
Election workers are thankful that people are voting early, Bradrick said. “It really helps even out the process so we’re not so buried on election week. We seriously appreciate it,” she said.
Whatcom County has nearly 19,000 more registered voters now than in November 2016 – 157,715 versus 138,962. Bradrick attributed that to population growth and efforts to register more young people.
In the 2016 election, 82.7 percent of registered Whatcom County voters returned their ballots. For the current election, voter turnout was just over 52 percent as of October 27.
Statewide, 46.4 percent of during November occur from about 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.
During the day in November, crews will start paving a path on the south end of the project and planting along it. That work will start to give the project a finished look, Orelup said.
Below are some questions and answers from the October 22 “Coffee with the Contractor” meeting, edited for length and clarity.
Q: Has a new material been found for the pathway?
Orelup: We have, yes. We were originally going to use what’s called gravel paving. It was essentially a sand that had this additive put into it that had cementitious properties. However, when we tested it out, it didn’t perform very well when it was saturated with water. So, being that we are in the Pacific Northwest and this is going on a beach, I think everyone thought it would be wise to move in a different direction. Now, we are going to be putting down a crushed limestone. If you’ve ever hiked any trails in Bellingham, this is a pretty popular product out there, but it holds up well. It’s a nice firm walking surface, and I think it will look very good on this project.
Karcher: And it will be ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] compatible.
Q: How will berm construction be affected by those properties along Birch Bay Drive that did not want the project?
Karcher: The berm will transition in. There’s 900 feet of where property owners did not want the project. And so we have the berm transitioning into the existing beach area. In consideration of their concerns, it is a wider beach area. It has more feet down there than any other area along our project limits. So, we will transition the berm in and then transition back out after we leave that 900 feet in. I think the transition out until the terminus of the project is fairly short.
We’re feeling pretty comfortable about it. I don’t think that’s a dramatic concern. But, you know, that’s me talking, and the weather and other things can happen, with a different intention. people, or about 2.3 million, had voted by the end of the day on October 26, according to the Washington Secretary of State website. That’s more than double the number of people who had voted at the same point in the 2016 election, when just under a million people had voted.
Returns were highest in Ferry County (61.4 percent), Pacific County (60.1 percent), Columbia County (59.9 percent) and Jefferson County (58.7 percent). There’s a big range in turnout, as just 26.6 percent of voters in Klickitat County had cast their ballot by October 27.
Learn more about the current election at the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office website: Co.whatcom.wa.us/auditor. See voter turnout numbers across the
Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME ASSESSMENT TODAY! 888-674-7053 FREE 7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value!
O er valid August 24, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Special Financing Available Subject to Credit Approval
*Terms & Conditions Apply
Member of the Month
Number of employees: In Bloom Homestead is a family-run business of two sisters, March and Ema and their mother Natalya. March Samoylenko manages the business. How long in business: They have been selling bouquets and their bath and body products for a little over five years. Description of business: In Bloom Homestead is a florist and gift shop that offers floral arrangements to the community primarily made of local, in-season flowers that are sourced from their own farm and other farms in Washington. They offer their floral service for weddings and special occasions. They also offer artisan bath and body gifts of soy candles and handcrafted soaps made with essential oils. Currently they are selling their products at Home Farm UPick in Birch Bay, Pure Bliss Desserts in Bellingham, and The Green Barn in Lynden. How the business started: Natalya had a beautiful garden that grew over the years and filled almost two acres. They would collect flowers and arrange small bouquets to sell at their stand off of Birch Bay Lynden Road. Natalya also started to make her own natural bar soap for their family and soon people from the community requested to buy it from her. March worked at a local floral shop to learn the craft of floral designing. She found the flowers used at the stand were so much more fresh and beautiful than the ones that arrived in boxes from Australia. From that point on, March dreamed to expand the little flower stand into a home-based flower studio with local flowers and gifts that were natural and free of chemicals. Future Goals: Continue offering their wedding floral service and bouquets for larger holidays, specifically Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. They will also continue offering their bath and body products on their website and at many more local retail shops.
Featured businesses are selected randomly from the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce membership.
This is a monthly feature sponsored by the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce www.blainechamber.com • (360) 332-4544 • Join the chamber today ... membership has its privileges!
state at bit.ly/35GVZbt.
Q: When will work be done in the north Cottonwood Beach area (at the north end of the project)?
Orelup: Probably not what you want to hear, but the berm will not be complete in that area until probably early December. We will be making a haul road [on the west side of Birch Bay Drive] heading that direction earlier, probably mid-November. So, there will be some buffer there to help dissipate the waves. But, yeah, I understand everyone’s concern with the storms coming in. We’re doing everything we can to import as much of the material as fast as we can so we can get this project buttoned-up before the storms hit.
Q: How do we get through the storm season, with the berm unfinished, and not be swimming in our residences?
Karcher: We don’t have any guarantees. All I can say is that, and I don’t mean to be smug about this, we’re doing the best we can, and it’s better than what we have. We’re pursuing the project diligently. Granite is on it and that’s the best commitment we can make.
Because of the timing and everything, and where we were left when we ended [construction] last season, and our commitment to the community to [not work] during the summer months and resume back in September ... I know we talked about maybe working during the summer. That wasn’t feasible for Granite because they bid the job for the schedule that we talked about. And they had other work in those summer months that they were committed to. It’s really hard to say, ‘we’re going to change your schedule,’ without a great impact on them. That’s why we did not work during the summer. So, we will just hope for the best, and, like Gairrett mentioned, there are some parts of the construction process that will help protect and facilitate this. When they put in the haul road, that will at least be some material that will ramp up that beach profile a little bit higher. Not to avoid your question, but I really don’t think there is anything we can do.
Local ideas for a safe Halloween Blaine, Whatcom County get creative with Halloween celebrations
B y I an H aupt
The Whatcom County Health Department recommends that residents avoid higher-risk Halloween activities like parties and door-to-door trick-or-treating to slow the spread of Covid-19.
In a media briefing on October 14, health department director Erika Lautenbach said, since the end of September, cases are on the decline. Lautenbach expressed her appreciation for continued community efforts to wear masks, stay a safe distance from each other and limit gatherings, and she asked for continued diligence in these areas since the county has seen declines in case rates followed by spikes in the past seven months of virus response.
With Halloween coming up, Lautenbach expressed her concern for a possible increase in case rates and encouraged community members to celebrate safely. Covid-19 data shows that the county has had spikes in cases after previous holidays, she said.
Lautenbach encouraged people to avoid higher-risk activities like costume parties and door-to-door trick-or-treating.
“We do encourage individuals to celebrate outdoors with a small group or find creative, lowrisk activities you can do at home like a virtual costume contest, or other fun activities,” Lautenbach said.
Here are some socially distanced Halloween activities to celebrate this spooky season safely:
Whatcom County
Trip-or-Treat
Friday, October 30, from 3 to 7 p.m.
With five stops in Birch Bay, the Whatcom County Trip-orTreat allows parents to get their kids out of the house and into their cars for a drive around the county. The socially-distanced event, run through the chambers of commerce in Whatcom County, has stops in Birch Bay, Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Nooksack and more.
There is also a virtual costume contest that will take place on the Facebook event page. Post your best costume picture by 5 p.m., and winners will be announced by 6 p.m. and contacted to receive their prize.
Blaine Food Bank Spooktacular
Saturday, October 31, from 4 to 7:30 p.m.
Blaine Food Bank, 500 C Street
A fun, family evening of ghosts and ghouls, pirates and witches, pumpkins and scarecrows, and of course, treats. Enter the Northwood Alliance Church parking lot by driving east on C Street, attendants will direct you to the car queue. If you don’t have a vehicle, please call 360/332-6350 to schedule a walk-through time.
Carnival of Clowns
Saturday, October 31, 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Freemans’ House on C Street
The Freeman family has decided to stick to tradition and hold their outdoor yard carnival, just socially distanced this year. Groups will enter the carnival one at a time and multiple booths will be set up for the kids to stay six feet apart between each carnival game.
For more information, visit the event page on Facebook: bit.ly/35K04f8 (See Halloween, page 8)
Mini Camps for Kids!
Combo Dance/Cheer THURSDAYS, NOV. 12- DEC. 17 • 4 PM KIDS AGES 6-8 YEARS OLD. $10, Optional $15 costume for final performance Build skills and confidence in this combo class of dance and cheer. 5-week session with online recital during last class. Led by Kristina Pollard.
Soccer Skills Clinic TUESDAYS, NOV 10-DEC. 15 • 4 PM AGES 5 - 7 • $10 Learn soccer skills with the 5-week mini-session led by Kristina Pollard
Class size limited • Register now!
bbbparkandrec.org Birch Bay Activity Center 7511 Gemini St.
BAY BREEZE
RESTAURANT & BAR New Management New Chef New Menu
MONDAY LUNCH
SPECIAL SPECIAL
All-U-Can-Eat Fish ’n Chips Noon - 4pm Every Day Burger, Fries & SUNDAYS (Regular or Cajun Style) Soft Drink All Draft Beers $23 $10 $2 CHECK OUT OUR NEW MENU ONLINE AT: www.BayBreezeRestaurant.com Families Welcome! Open 12-9 pm Every Day • 7829 Birch Bay Drive • 360-922-7902
Don't let the holidays sneak up on you!
Whole Pilates of Birch Bay
Authentic Classical Pilates Private training in studio or online Contact colleen@wholepilates.com
s Last year, the Freemans’ Neighborhood Halloween Yard Party had a “Wonka’s Factory” theme, with treats of cotton candy, interactive candy stations and hot chocolate. Photo by Ruth Lauman
Senior Health Specialists Our services are FREE…Your peace of mind is priceless!
• Medicare Advantage Plans • Medicare Supplements • Prescription Drug Plans • Vision & Dental • Travel Health Plans Medicare Open Enrollment now thru Dec. 7
Washington Health Insurance Professionals, LLC Stacie Tennyson 360-220-1800 Info@wahip.net Halloween ...
From page 7
Vinyl Night and Trivia at The Vault
Thursday, October 29. Music at 5 p.m., trivia at 7 p.m.
The Vault Wine Bar, 277 G Street
The trivia theme for the week is “spooky.” Plus, there will be a costume contest with prizes.
For more information, visit thevaultwine.com.
Evelyne L. Hendricks BA, LHT Transformational Hypnotherapy
creating rapid change for personal growth
360.739.5606 evelynehendricks@gmail.com
Virtual Halloween Trivia
Online on Thursday, October 29 at 7 p.m.
Test your knowledge on Halloween facts, lore, music and more with the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District’s virtual Halloween trivia. Pre-register by 6 p.m.
For more information, visit bbbparkandrec.org.
We’re in this together VOTE Alicia Rule
Currently serves on Blaine City Council. Co-Founded Blaine Downtown Alliance to help preserve and grow small businesses. Will push for help for restaurants, retail stores, and offices to create safe work environments, and for them to have the resources they need, like P-P-E.
