Mask Mandate Movements Spark Pushback

An ordinance is up for discussion mandating the use of masks.

But not everyone across Evansville agrees with the approach

Developing tonight- kentucky's attorney general -- fighting the mandate -- with a temporary restraining order against governor beshear.

Earlier today --- a scott county - circuit court judge -- granting the request-- saying --- in order to issue and enforce covid-19 executive orders.... the governor must specify the exact state of emergency requiring the order-- the location of the emergency... and name of the local emergency management agency - that is requesting the assistance.

The back and forth battle -- over masks*isn't just in the bluegrass-- but across the tri-state.

Here in evansville--city council members are proposing a measure to require them in public.

But before they've even met to discuss it--people in the river city are lining up*online that is --- to voice their opposition.

44news report - erran huber is live tonight in evansville --- with more on the raging debate.

Its hovering close to 500 now-- people signing a petition--asking for the council's reconsideratio n.

"with the numbers we're seeing here in evansville and vanderburgh county, we thought it was important to bring this forward to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community."

Third ward councilor zac heronemus-- sharing his feelings on why he's a sponsor of an ordinance up for discussion-- mandating the use of masks.

But not everyone across the city-- agrees with the approach.

Like david politano--who's mounting his own effort and shared his thoughts.

I started the petition so that way individuals would have a way to express their view to the city council as to how they view a petition which hundreds so far have signed in solidarity-- asking the council to vote down the ordinance.

"my reaction is that the individual wants to be free.

They want to be able to make personal choices for themselves.

Like i said, the government has been telling them how to live their lives.

And they're kinda sick and tired of it.

They just want to do what they know is responsible and accountable for themselves."

Right now in the tri-state-- illinois has had a legal tug of war with their mandate.

A judge voided governor pritzker's mask rules--calling them an overstep of authority in emergency powers.

The governor's office pushed back--intending to appeal.

In the meantime -- its still in effect.

You are still required to mask up in illinois -- until a vaccine is widely available.

And in kentucky-- just hours before governor beshear could announce his new mandate-- a judge ruled against the statewide enforcement of the governor executive orders with respect to all of kentucky agritourism venues.

Beshear--beat back on that ruling.

I'm going to continue to do what it takes.

He put in that order today.

We're doing the mask mandate today.

We'll beat him in court.

And just because the circuit judge there thinks he's an epidemiologist, and we don't need any types of restrictions, i know that's not the case.

People in evansville--both for and against the mandate-- will have their chance to share their thoughts in person for the first reading.

At next monday's meeting here.

Live in evansville eh 44news all new after the break