Leaders need to 'walk the walk' on protections

I am a proud Democrat living in Arlington Heights and have been pleased with how Mayor Lori Lightfoot and our governor have handled the pandemic. This has been of great comfort. Besides being a proud Democrat, I have been a practicing barber for about the last 35 years. I can't tell you how disappointed I was to hear that Mayor Lightfoot violated her own order and got a haircut. Not only did she place her life in jeopardy, she also endangered her stylist's, regardless of what type of protective gear she was wearing.

Allow me to emphasize that there is no such thing as social distancing when you are cutting someone's hair. I read that she stated she takes her personal grooming seriously. Like the rest of us don't? She stated that she is in the public eye. The public eye has more respect for someone who is disheveled and suffering right along with us, rather than someone who is impeccably groomed and doesn't practice what they preach.

In addition, by agreeing to cut her hair, her stylist showed poor judgment and a lack of professionalism. She also threw the rest of us in that profession under the bus.

Since the shutdown, I've turned down numerous offers by folks asking me to cut their hair. They assured me they weren't sick and would wear a mask if I would. I declined for all the reasons that the mayor gave. What should I tell them now when folks say "Well, Mayor Lightfoot got a haircut so ..."?

In conclusion, I appreciate her service, but I do sincerely hope that in the future, she will walk the walk, even if not perfectly groomed while doing so. Stay safe, everyone.

Louis Guagenti

Arlington Heights