Read on Twitter
I usually don’t have much to say on Wenatchee-centric Twitter fights. But this Slidewaters stuff is very interesting to me.
Before I continue:
1. These are my honest thoughts. They could be wrong. Or right. Regardless, please keep any responses respectful.
2. Some friends/peers work/have worked @ Slidewaters. I have so much respect for them & their opinions and I’m so sorry about their job losses.
1. These are my honest thoughts. They could be wrong. Or right. Regardless, please keep any responses respectful.
2. Some friends/peers work/have worked @ Slidewaters. I have so much respect for them & their opinions and I’m so sorry about their job losses.
What pains me most about this GoFundMe is the fact that it seems to be as much a political statement against Inslee as it is about making sure impacted employees are ok.
In a time when so many small businesses are suffering, I can only wonder why I haven’t seen the community rallying behind other businesses that have been forced to shut down.
If I’m correct, Slidewaters figured that:
1. They’d be able to open even before hearing from the health district
2. They could keep operating after learning they were in violation
3. They’d win a lawsuit & be able to continue operations (all w/ a fine hanging over their head)
1. They’d be able to open even before hearing from the health district
2. They could keep operating after learning they were in violation
3. They’d win a lawsuit & be able to continue operations (all w/ a fine hanging over their head)
I get that the health inspector messed up. And that is terrible. But Slidewaters knew they weren’t supposed to open until phase 3. Heck, they were even officially informed about their correct standing shortly thereafter. If they say they truly didn’t know, they were ignorant.
Ultimately, this seems like a series of irrational decisions by the owners. It is ridiculous (to me) that schools, restaurants, and other businesses were shut down - but Slidewaters still figured that they would be able to open and operate. Even w/ jobs on the line.
Agree with Inslee’s policies/CDC guidelines or not, it is painfully obvious that Slidewaters took a big risk. A risk that resulted in a $9,649 fine and the forced closure of their business. It’s not something that I am happy about in the slightest. But it was their choice.
Also — to the people who will inevitably say that Slidewaters was being safe and therefore should’ve stayed open: you’re not public health experts. You’re not policy experts. And I’m not, ether. But I certainly don’t pretend to be.
Slidewaters: your community is incredibly strong and impressive. It’s amazing to see the support behind this business. But it’s pointless if you don’t support other affected businesses as well. Use this moment to help others in the community.
People who disagree w/ the decisions made by Slidewaters: have some empathy. Folks just lost their jobs. Put yourself in their shoes and please don’t be insensitive. Build up our community.
That’s all from me. If you’re a seriously impacted employee (from anywhere), DM me and I can help connect you with community orgs/Venmo you. I encourage others who haven’t been financially impacted to do the same. Let’s also engage in more community-focused crowdfunding efforts.
