Mayor’s Message – May 5, 2020

Dear Residents,

Our pandemic has lasted longer than I anticipated. I didn’t realize, I take so much for granted. I think we will all cherish life’s social events a little more when this virus has been eliminated. I remember flying prior to 911, and if you arrived at the airport and heard your name being called, as they were about to close the door on the plane, it was an indication your timing was perfect. You would run to your gate and be so proud of your efficiency in not wasting any valuable time sitting in the airport. Post 911, we all had to get to the airport 2 hours early to navigate the potential backup at security. Your family could no longer go to the gate to say goodbye or greet you at the gate when you returned. Our lives were permanently changed post 911. I think this pandemic will also have some permanent impact on some aspects of our lives. I hope they are minimal, as I still resent every trip to the airport due to the fact that the terrorists changed my life forever.

When I wrote this article, Ohio’s COVID-19 numbers and Geauga county numbers plateaued but are not declining. That being said, new people are getting infected weekly. The last report showed 65 new cases in Geauga in the past two weeks and 64 new cases the prior two weeks. I know the Governor is trying to assist our business community in returning to semi productivity. He has made the requirement that all employees, for their safety and safety of their peers, wear a face mask or face shield. These dedicated employees are making sure our daily needs are met. As miserable as this, if we could not obtain necessities, it would be intolerable. That being said I’ve always believed; I should not ask of others more than I would ask of myself. I know there are a lot of opinions in this community and other communities on the severity of this virus. In spite of our personal opinions, I owe it to everyone with whom I come in contact to respect them by social distancing and wearing a mask. These are the same demands being placed on every employee working each day to provide our needs. No matter where you are on this subject, I can assure you, following these personal guidelines will make an improvement. I look forward to our community being a community of mutual respect.

Ben Garlich
Mayor
Village of Middlefield