It was the millennial generation that coined the term of taking a “mental health day” to escape the psychological anguish caused by having to work a job. The phrase later became a trope on the laziness of the so-called “generation of victims.”
District Eight Commissioner Brandon Garrett stunned his colleagues at the Oct. 15 commission meeting by announcing that “personal” matters have caused him to have to seek time off for “mental and spiritual” reasons; however, Garrett’s mental health absence is not going to be a day off for reflection, but, in his words, indefinite.
This is unacceptable.
Imagine how long the rest of us would remain on a company’s payroll if we suddenly announced that personal issues were taking such a toll as to require an indefinite leave.
We have all the compassion in the world for the Garrett family and whatever tribulations they are facing, but the job of commissioner is that of crafting public policy. Right now is the time we need all of our commissioners at the dias, doing their jobs.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, it is vital that the Engineering Services Committee and Public Safety Committees meet, but neither can collect a quorum at this time because District Four Commissioner Al Mason is on medical leave for needed back surgeries and now Garrett feels that dealing with personal matters is more important than doing a job he sought and one that involves the public trust. Right now, he’s needed to help his constituents dig out from under Helene’s damage.
Garrett is also the mayor pro tem, which means that should Mayor Garnett Johnson need to be absent from a commission meeting, then that body cannot achieve the necessary quorum either.
If Garrett’s problems are so acute that he needs an indefinite amount of time to heal, then he needs to resign his office. Otherwise, it is his duty and responsibility to remain at his post and set the example of being stoic in adversity.
