Sequim mayor William Armacost is joining the chorus in decrying Gov. Jay Inslee’s reopening plans.

The coupling to Kitsap and Mason counties has kept Clallam and Jefferson counties from entering Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plans, drawing criticism from Sen. Kevin Van De Wege and state representatives Steve Tharinger and Mike Chapman in recent days.

On Feb. 1, Armacost chimed in as well in a letter to the Office of the Governor.

“The City of Sequim Disagrees with the grouping of Clallam and Jefferson counties with Kitsap and

Mason Counties,” Armacost wrote.

“ Due to the coupling of the Clallam and Jefferson to Kitsap and Mason we are unable to meet the required metrics to move to phase two that we would otherwise easily meet.

“We support the uncoupling of these two counties that are detrimentally keeping small businesses on the Olympic Peninsula from opening and causing unwarranted suffering to our communities and businesses that have consistently met the requirements of the Governors guidance and following local health officer’s science-based knowledge.”