The Iowa Democrat Party announced today that the County Convention scheduled for March 21, 2020 will be postponed in efforts to guarantee the safety of Delegates & Alternates with regards to COVID19 coronavirus. We are awaiting further guidance on when the Convention will be rescheduled. As of now, the District and State Conventions will continue as scheduled.

I’m attaching the press release from the IDP which has been shared with local newspapers.

In addition, I’m attaching an initial draft of our platform for you to review and mark up so we are ready to debate any changes when the Convention convenes.

All these actions have been taken to keep our communities safe. We have the benefit of living in a rural part of the country, but we should not make the mistake of thinking that coronavirus won’t make it to Clayton County. Any steps that we can take to slow the spread of this virus will help us in the long run.

On a different note: please be kind and watch out for each other. Now more than ever we need to keep an eye out for our friends and neighbors. This illness is especially harmful to senior citizens and those with underlying health conditions. Many may not feel comfortable going to stores and pharmacies right now. If you are able to help–run an errand, pick up a prescription, drop off a meal–please do so. And it goes without saying, if you need help please ask for it.

We don’t know how the course of this pandemic will play out in Clayton County and Northeast Iowa. We have the benefit of living in a rural part of the country with low population density, but we should not make the mistake of thinking that coronavirus won’t make it here. We must therefore try to be as prepared as possible which starts first and foremost by minimizing our risks. Wash your hands. Stay home if you feel ill. Know the symptoms to COVID19.

Finally, please patronize local businesses if you can, many who are already be feeling the economic effects of people staying home. The economic impact of this pandemic may be just as great as its impact to our health, especially as we head into tourist and travel season. We as a county, a state, and a country are strong. We will get through this together.

Brian Bruening

Chair

Clayton County Democrats