Larimer County Fair Parade and Children

[Neil Spooner]

Mr. Kefalas,

Good morning.  I was hoping to relay this message to you in person at a Tuesday open meeting, but time got away from me so I have to settle with email.

Believe it or not, less than 2 years ago (closer to 18 months ago) we still had mask mandates in Larimer County largely because of you.  You held Larimer County residents prisoner with this last mandate that has left permanent damage to people's mental health, social skills and our children's education.  Your actions affected children as young as 2 years old, that seems hard to believe now but it's true.

Last summer at the Larimer County Fair Parade, I watched in disbelief as you handed out candy to those same young children.  Most disgusting was how giddy you acted while doing it - to me it was as if I was watching a criminal interact with their unknowing victim.  However, I generally give people the benefit of the doubt and assume you were naive to what a disgusting display you put on.

I realize you didn't cause COVID and you were faced with tough decisions.  However, I believe, and always will, that you continued to make the wrong decision by not listening to those in our community that had ideas that didn't align with Tom Gonzales's, involving such young children and dragging it out so long.

You decided to enact and keep the last mandate in your capacity as County Commissioner.  You walk in the parade and hand out candy in the parade in the same capacity as County Commissioner.  Therefore, I ask that you don't repeat the same behavior out of respect for the children that you permanently damaged.  However, if you do feel the need to interact with these children, I ask that you look each one of them in the eye and think about what you have done to them in your capacity as County Commissioner.

Thank you for considering my request,

Neil Spooner

633 Harrison Ave

Loveland

970-324-0132