City officials supporting statemask mandate
Commissioners vote to back order despite high court ruling
Mt. Pleasant city commissioners on Monday unanimously voted to support the state’s maskwearing mandate.
The move comes after themichigan Supreme Court struck down Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order that was geared toward stopping the spread of COVID-19, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ response — to issue an emergency order requiring the wearing of face masks in public places.
While reading the resolution, Mayor Will Joseph said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon’s emergency order included but was not limited to wearing masks in public places and, in some circumstances, outside.
Joseph also said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance to the public and employers to slow the spread of the virus by encouraging the wearing of face coverings and social distancing.
Isabella County, as of Oct. 5, had recorded 677 confirmed cases of the virus, and the resolution notes that commissioners recognize the impor
Cityattorney Mikehomier said the Michigan Supremecourt struckdown Whitmer’s order because itwas improper delegation of
authority.
tance of wearing face coverings to help slow the vi-rus. Commissioners also want to assist in “returning to economic stability, which can more likely be obtained if businesses can stay open and gradually return to full capacity,” Joseph read, adding that commissioners understand that mask-wearing could be depended on slowing the spread of the virus.
In passing the resolution, commissioners indicated that they want to do what they can to keep residents, business owners, visitors and front-line workers safe.
Commissioners previously passed a resolution supporting Whitmer’s executive order, and Monday’s resolution included the group emphasizing the personal responsibility of everyone to wear face masks, believing it reflects a sign of respect for neighbors, front-line workers, essential workers, and all residents and visitors.
After reading the resolution, Joseph said it is important for commissioners to do their part to stop the spread of the virus, because there are “strong efforts” across Michigan and the United States to “undermine that message.”
Joseph said he wears a mask eight hours a day at work and though it isn’t particularly comfortable, “it’s the right thing to do.”
Before voting on the resolution, Commissioner Petro Tolas, who said he supports wearing face masks, expressed concern about potential litigation should the state supreme court reverse THEMDHHS order after police ticket violators.
City Attorney Mike Homier said the Michigan Supreme Court struck downwhitmer’s order because it was improper delegation of authority, citing a 1945 state law.
Homier said the MDHHS order deals with wearing masks and not improper delegation of authority.
He also said the order requiring the wearing of masks in public was not the underlying issue in the supreme court’s order.
Homier said there is a case challenging the MDHHS order pending.
Mt. Pleasant Police Chief and City Manager Nancy Ridley said themdHHD order is enforceable, and Lauria added that police will use an educational approach before issuing tickets.