Zoom meetings the new normal here, too

Conducting day-to-day affairs online is working well for local government and business leaders – with a few exceptions.

The Town Council’s pledge of allegiance, for instance.

When the Council meets at Maple Hall, everyone stands to salute a flag that all can see.

On Zoom, there’s no central flag for the dozen or so participants to salute. And with computer cameras in a fixed position, “if I stand, everybody is looking at my belt buckle or my stomach,” says Town Administrator Scott Thomas.

Town staff, along with staff of Fire District 13, La Conner School District and local businesses, ha...