CLEARFIELD – A local resident questioned Clearfield County Commissioner Dave Glass about several of his recent social media posts.
During the public comment period at Tuesday’s commissioners’ meeting, Tim Winters of Clearfield said Glass has “suggested, perhaps even advocated,” having Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro prosecute county businesses that choose to defy Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 orders.
Winters said Glass also made comments within a closed social media group directing other members that: “This is our Vegas – what happens here, stays here. If someone knowingly shares something, that is a problem for all of us.”
Winters asked Glass if prosecuting local businesses is in the best interest of Clearfield County, and if he advocates keeping an agenda secret from the public.
Winters concluded by giving Glass a chance to publicly clarify the full context of his social media posts. Glass said his “only comment” is that he never stated that he’d contact Shapiro.
Questions arose after Glass opposed District Attorney Ryan Sayers’ decision not to prosecute businesses that reopen early in defiance of the governor’s orders so long as they follow public health guidelines.
In a previously-published article, Glass said that he not only understands the “frustration and economic pain” felt by many county businesses, but he also understands the threat the virus poses to everyone.
He said he supported a phased reopening process and believed ignorance of Wolf’s order, especially during a declared emergency, sets a “dangerous precedent.”
“It’s important we remain vigilant and continue to take the steps required – both by the governor’s office, and by infectious disease experts worldwide – to protect ourselves and each other,” he said.
At the time of Glass’ statement, Clearfield County had just entered the “yellow” phase of Pennsylvania’s gradual reopening process, and he urged citizens not to “throw caution to the wind.”
“Our citizens have sacrificed so much …,” Glass said, “so let’s not waste all that by risking large-scale gatherings and other prohibited reopenings at this time.”