Did Dr Merriam really endorse the 98 degree threshold?
As we have noted in our comments on the two previous meetings, the Committee has drawn some comfort for the endorsement of Dr. Merriam of the draft ordinance. Dr Merriam was brought to Charleston by the Committee to comment on the ordinance and did so at the meeting in October. We take issue whether he really endorsed the 98 degree temperature threshold but we agree that he said “he endorsed the ordinance”. He gave the endorsement in a reply to a question by Committee member Doyle, and we agree the endorsement was unqualified. We have to confess surprise at the endorsement. Dr Merriam gave a presentation for possibly half an hour or more and responded to questions for another half hour an hour or so. Both the presentation and answers were wide ranging and in some respects very inconclusive. Committee member Long today commented that when he reflected on the presentation, Dr. Merriam said that it was difficult to determine appropriate standards and thresholds. There were many factors th
