Letter to the Editor: Board of Health Member Responds to Criticism

I have been in Easton my whole life. I've served the town in a number of capacities and have never been so taken back by some people's vitriolic comments. I realize that once I comment, I will be subjecting myself to more insults by people who are unaware of the actual facts. However I can no longer sit back without commentating.

The B.O.H. has worked many hours trying to resolve the problem Easton people may be facing. When we originally worked on this reg, it was done under the pressure of a critical alert with 55 Triple E mosquitos trapped in Easton alone. We did not have the time or state of mind to analyze each and every word that was put in the original draft. Since listening to the people of Easton's comments, we are in the process of refining this reg.

It is absolutely ridiculous to think for one minute that we are going to shut down barbecues, walkers or private activities. We are trying to protect children whose parents feel the pressure of their kids to participate in various activities that require them to be outside at certain hours.

Our department has done a great job in contacting and communicating with the state to get the latest updates to keep the citizens of Easton aware of the danger of Triple E. The various organizations in Easton have done an outstanding job of doing their utmost to protect the people by adhering to advisories of the state and town health departments. We have not received any negative feedback from any organizations.

What we are trying to do is have a reg. available to us or any other department that would like to take our position, and be able to act on a moments notice instead of waiting 3 or 4 weeks in a critical situation. Hopefully Triple E and West Nile will never be deemed critical enough to enact this regulation. I am aware that the odds of being infected with Triple E are very low but the infection is deadly and debilitating but worth protecting the public to the best of our ability. We did advise, by way of reverse 911 calls, signs, and Email, and received a great response from many organizations and citizens.

In regard to the fines, we are trying to change the wording. The fine currently states in the regulation, up to one thousand dollars which was suggested to us at a board meeting by town council. All town officials should be concerned about the safety of it's citizen in this regard. It was very difficult to sit back and see my fellow boardmembers and department personnel be insulted by people who cannot state their opinion without malice. Feel free to call me. I will answer any questions to the best of my knowledge.

-Respectfully, Gil Heino

11 year proud member of the Board of Health