Council Members,
Since the pandemic started in March, governors and mayors across the country have used their “emergency powers†during the pandemic to implement lockdowns, mask mandates, and capacity limits on restaurants. Recently, the mayor implemented restrictions on Large Gatherings. That restriction will expire tomorrow Oct 26th, 2020. Here locally, I recognize the need for the mayor to act quickly to address public health, but going forward the council will need to play its role in the governing process.
If the mayor wishes to extend any executive orders in the future, the mayor will have to get council approval. I believe this action strengthens our Representative Republic and it safeguards our liberties.
Here is what is stated in the Indiana Constitution:
Link:Â Â https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/2010/title10/ar14/ch3.html
ICÂ 10-14-3-29
Local disaster emergency
Sec. 29. (a) A local disaster emergency:
(1) may be declared only by the principal executive officer of a political subdivision; and
(2) may not be continued or renewed for more than seven (7) days except by or with the consent of the governing board of the political subdivision.
Justin Elpers
Evansville City Council 5th Ward
