Paso Robles councilmen walk out of chambers in protest of mask rules

February 5, 2022

Paso Robles Councilmen John Hamon and Steve Gregory

By JOSH FRIEDMAN

Two Paso Robles city councilmen walked out of the council chambers during a meeting on Tuesday in protest of the existing indoor mask mandate.

At the beginning of the Paso Robles City Council’s regular session, Councilman John Hamon announced that he would leave the chambers and participate in the remainder of the meeting virtually because he would not be wearing a mask. Councilman Steve Gregory followed suit and likewise said he would exit the council chambers and participate in the meeting virtually because of his opposition to the mask mandate.

Both Hamon and Gregory questioned the science behind California’s indoor mask mandate. Additionally, Hamon argued that government control has become more important than COVID-19 treatments, and Gregory alluded to Gov. Gavin Newsom at times failing to comply with his statewide mask mandate.

Mayor Steve Martin, Councilwoman Maria Garcia and Councilman Fred Strong remained in the chambers as Hamon and Gregory exited and rejoined the meeting virtually. Martin instructed everyone who remained in the chambers to wear a mask.

Strong said he agrees philosophically with Hamon’s and Gregory’s statements, but he would continue to follow the rules that the council is asking others to follow.

Hamon’s remarks on his decision to leave the council chamber:

“I will not be wearing a mask just because I think again the fact that some unelected officials mandate, tell me to do so. And I will also say that because of sound, common sense personal reasons, based on science, backed by nearly two years of COVID data, and also vaccinated twice and boosted once, I feel that masks give little protection from transmission.

“I am no longer concerned with contracting a severe case of COVID at this point because of the vaccinations that I’ve taken. Nor do I worry about others who are not vaccinated and out in public and unprotected where they may contract the virus just by simply touching a knob and then a face or maybe from somebody else that is vaccinated and might be carrying the virus. In my opinion, more people should question so-called authorities on health issues, especially when government will not even allow proven therapeutics, like monoclonal antibody treatments to be used on high-risk positive cases. It’s also my opinion that we are at a point where government control has become more important than a cure. After 13 months of available vaccine, it is clear that mandates are causing more harm than good to both our economy and our children. I think it’s unwise to continue public harm and of course disruption to everybody.”

Gregory made the following remarks:

“I concur with Councilman Hamon, and I respect everybody’s opinion to do what is best for them. But when the maker of the mandate doesn’t do it himself, and we don’t have a lot of science behind this, it’s time to get over this COVID issue that we’re having. And I’m vaccinated, I practice all the protocols, I respect everybody else’s opinion and what they like to do. But I can’t wear my mask anymore. It’s disrupting my ability to communicate. I don’t think I’m at risk because two years and 13 tests and vaccinations and my vitamin protocol. I’m in good shape, and I’m not affecting anybody. I don’t think it’s appropriate for us not be able to speak openly in this chamber as we’re exercising our due diligence with spacing.”


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Great way to weasel out of work!


Exactly!


John Hamon’s bangs…WOW!!! Did he lose a bet or does he actually think that looks good? Maybe he’s gonna be doing a caitlyn jenner here soon…IDK, I don’t ever go to paso thank goodness so I don’t really know anything about these two la la’s. But more importantly, do they not follow the science which clearly shows that almost all cases of covid-19 are contracted through airborne particles and that n95 and kn95 masks are more effective at preventing infection in the 1st place than any vaccine? And I’m sorry but how is a mask mandate hurting our economy when it’s because of the masks that we can go out to stores and banks and conduct business in person? That’s hilarious…And how is it harming our children? It’s because of masks that they can go back to school and in person learning. Now if kids all went to school unmasked and they got covid, took it home to their parents, grandparents, etc, and one of their family members died from it, imagine the guilt they would carry from being the one who brought it home to them…I’ve personally seen this happen to a poor 5yr old girl whose grandmother and primary caretaker just died after she brought covid home from school. She was playing unmasked with another unmasked kid who was coughing on the school playground. Being unmasked is whats harming our children. And lastly, there are plenty of monoclonal treatments still available. They only took away the ones that were not effective against omicron. By the way, my 5 year old wears a kn95 mask(they don’t make kid sized n95’s) all day at school, in stores, etc and guess what, she never complains. Fully Vaccinated and she takes her vitamins. She has a lung disorder and can breathe just fine even while running and dancing and playing and is happy just to get to be able to do those things. Sorry el paso del robles, my 5 year old is more mature and more intelligent that your two fine councilbabies


Looks like they see the same hairdresser lol. Wonder what else these two “share” bahahaha.


We the people are done with the draconian government mandates, they don’t work. Quit with your over wrought nonsense because it’s over and the people have spoken. Mark my words these politicians espousing this crap are buckling they are weak.


How is asking you to do something as trivial as wearing a mask in public indoor spaces, draconian? It’s literally for the protection of others who may not be able to get a vaccine. Children under 5 cannot get vaccinated and contrary to popular belief, children do get covid and they can have severe disease and even die. So please stop your crying and do like everyone else and wear a mask. My 5 year old wears one all day at school and doesn’t complain. Ever.


Chances of a child, unvaccinated, under the age of 12 dying FROM Covid are EXTREMELY low. Testing positive yes, serious illness and death, very low.


That is why many European countries have rejected child mask mandates and have had great success. Zero risk, no. But extremely low risk.


Things that “tough-guy” Tatro is afraid of:

1. Little cloth masks

2. Writing traffic tickets

3. Liberals


Land of the Free and home of the Brave no longer….


Most of us are brave, but not these two cowards.


I wear a mask so people won’t think I am a republican


I wear one to help keep myself and those around me safe. But I also sometimes wear them when I don’t have to – like walking out to get my mail – and I do it simply to piss off any Republicans that might be driving by.


I do not like wearing a mask either but will put one on when entering any space that asks me to.Try thinking along the lines of not my personal space so if the rules are put on a mask then put on a mask,

Don’t want to? Then stay home.


“And I’m vaccinated, I practice all the protocols, I respect everybody else’s opinion and what they like to do. But I can’t wear my mask anymore. It’s disrupting my ability to communicate. I don’t think I’m at risk because two years and 13 tests and vaccinations and my vitamin protocol. I’m in good shape, and I’m not affecting anybody”


Yessiree Mr. Gregory, you can still be “affecting” people. I tested positive for the Omicron and had very few symptoms but still passed it to my wife. Be a man, Mr. Gregory, and protect those around you. It’s real simple.


While numbers have dropped, the Omicron variant is HIGHLY contagious and wearing a mask simply represents respect for your fellow man. The not wearing of masks and vaccine hesitancy have dragged this pandemic out. These men should be ashamed of themselves.


I think Hamon’s the guy who gets his street paved every other year. Also heard that the garage door business is not his only business.