Tallahassee needs a plan for the new normal with coronavirus | Opinion
Today, leaders are faced with the inevitable: the reopening of their community and its economy. But so far, in Leon County and the city of Tallahassee, all evidence indicates there is an acceptance of the governor's desires, but no local plan — an almost sticking your head in the sand moment.
Neither the city nor the nation will forever be in the grip of coronavirus. There will be a post-coronavirus world — perhaps a different normal, but a normal nonetheless.
On April 16, as president/CEO of the Dream Foundation, a statewide nonprofit based in Tallahassee, I sent a letter to each elected county and city official asking — actually begging — that they put together a committee of stakeholders to help develop a plan for what that reopening will look like in Tallahassee. I believe that each city and county in Florida should do the same.
As the governor and the federal government have pressured local governments to open up the spigot of economic activity, no county or city will be able to sit idly by. Could Wakulla County become the bastion of economic activity, drawing all to that county while Leon County eschews economic growth and prosperity? Not a chance.
Commissioner Rick Minor suggested the county start thinking of a plan at a recent meeting. He was told to hold off and that they will circle back. In one response our letter got from the County Commission, the real concern was spelled out: that leaders themselves are afraid to re-engage with the world.
Joe Friday would say — looking at the stats — that Leon County has not been a bastion of infection. We are blessed to live in a community of thoughtful citizens who have done the work of social distancing, and have city and county leadership who made the hard decisions early. Those things have reaped great benefits and undoubtedly saved lives.
But it’s time to get out of the bunker and proactively tackle the challenge ahead. We have some of the brightest minds in the country, along with a progressive, conscientious business community. We’ve got your backs — our sleeves are rolled up, and we are ready to work with you to determine what the reopening of Leon County will look like in a safe way.
We are ready to collectively help determine how it will happen, and how it will be done in a way that saves lives, with every step led by those in science and medicine. Because, at the end of the day, our economy, our world is opening up, whether you are personally ready for it or not.
It will be up to local government and key stakeholders working together to lead the way to that new normal. We’re ready to do the work.
Michael Dobson is a third generation Floridian, longtime Tallahassee lobbyist, president/CEO of the Dream Foundation, Inc. and founder of Dobson, Craig and Associates. Reach him at Michael@dobsonandcraig.com.
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