“So when will the economy reopen?”
That is the question every businessman, homeowner, teacher, parent and grandparent in this country is asking.
And it is one the leaders of our nation, state, county and city need to be telling their constituients as soon as possible.
President Donald Trump gave us a three-point plan of indicators he will be watching. Gov. Tate Reeves said he is closely monitoring the infection rate and how local hospitals are or are not responding to the crisis.
That leaves our Coahoma County Board of Supervisors and Clarksdale Board of Mayor and Commissioners to now step up and provide information and leadership on their plan.
If they are just going to follow state and federal guidelines, please step back from the microphone and just let the state and federal decisions trickle down to us. But if they have a better plan, we want to hear it.
Please note there were rural states in the MidWest that did not shut-down when the call came for the federal government. There are states that are alreading indicating they will not listen to the President and will make their own decisions on when to reopen.
You have to love Americans who cherish the freedom and independence this country offers.
Your Clarksdale Press Register realizes this is a big country and what works on the West Coast or East Coast may not be best for the Mississippi Delta. We also believe what is best for Jackson and the Gulf Coast may not be the best for The Delta and Coahoma County.
We do want state and local leaders to realize those who successfully come out of this shutdown first will enjoy a big economic advantage over those who lag behind.
We encourage our leaders - at the state and local level - to look at resources, look at infection trends and look at your unique community and how they will benefit or suffer from their decision. Let those decisions be made locally.
Shutting down local businesses, imposing curfews, social distancing and stopping funerals, weddings and church attendance was a big decision.
Deciding when to reopen our economy and our lives is an even bigger choice.
