The following is presented as part of The Columbian’s Opinion content, which offers a point of view in order to provoke thought and debate of civic issues. Opinions represent the viewpoint of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus opinion of The Columbian’s editorial board, which operates independently of the news department.
Donnelly: Governor should listen to Vancouver businesses
By Ann Donnelly
Published: December 6, 2020, 6:01am
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“Listen to the experts” is good advice for Gov. Jay Inslee. On Nov. 15, he ordered COVID-related closures of various businesses. His measures took a sledgehammer to sectors of the state’s small-business community, sending many gyms and restaurants into a downward spiral.
One expert who took issue with Inslee’s closure of fitness facilities is Vancouver-based Sherri McMillan. Her enterprises Northwest Personal Training and Why Racing have made thousands of us healthier while contributing millions of dollars to local nonprofits.
After decades operating here, McMillan has her finger on the pulse of Vancouver’s business community and brings a community-based perspective to discussions. As a board member of the Northwest Fitness Alliance, she has been working to make gyms COVID-safe. Months ago, she and other gym owners spent scarce dollars on new equipment, HVAC upgrades, software and supplies, drastically revamping operations.
McMillan remained upbeat and uncomplaining. But when the governor ordered gyms closed on Nov. 15, she was “blindsided,” according to her announcement to clients on Nov. 16.
In two personal appeals to Inslee, one a letter and the second a video, she marshaled evidence that fitness facilities are being operated safely.
After acknowledging the seriousness of COVID-19, McMillan’s letter asserts that the fitness industry is “part of the solution.”
“We have been open since the beginning of June and spent tens of thousands of dollars … we’ve had zero cases among our staff and clients. … The Washington State Department of Health and L&I report no COVID-19 cases associated with gyms or fitness facilities. … CDC information shows no data that fitness facilities are a source of outbreaks.”
McMillan speaks for her industry, and by extension, for others: “Nearly 6,000 health clubs in the U.S. have already closed their door permanently. … Many (in Washington) will not sustain this second round of shutdowns. Many also do not trust that it will only be four weeks.”
On Nov. 21, the president of the Fitness Alliance called on Inslee to “please stop disparaging our entire fitness industry.” The alliance is now working with Inslee’s senior advisers, according to McMillan.
State Sen. Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver, in a Facebook communication to McMillan, stated she has “been saying the same thing … fitness centers are not a source of COVID spread.” Wilson cited the Clark County Department of Health’s website indicating three cases have any connection to fitness facilities.
On Dec. 2, 26 state representatives, including Brandon Vick, Vicki Kraft, and Larry Hoff, wrote to Inslee urging reconsideration of the restrictions on fitness facilities.
The situation for other sectors is equally dire. In The Columbian’s “Businesses hear death knell in new lockdown,” Mark Matthias (Beaches, WareHouse ’23) and Elie Kassab (Prestige Development) speak of dire conditions resulting from the governor’s move. Kassab, who owns Battle Ground Cinema, described the latest closures as “a bullet to the head” for cinema owners.
Inslee has committed $50 million to mitigate financial impacts on some businesses. Restaurateur Rich Lieser (Roots) responded “Is it enough? No … restaurant owners are hanging on to the hope that we will get back to 100 percent. Until then, you’re treading water and losing money.”
The governor must search for a more informed solution, using a scalpel, not a sledgehammer.
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