Name: Savannah mayor says Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has ’overstepped’ in mask order battle
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Savannah mayor says Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has ’overstepped’ in mask order battle

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DeAnn Komaneckydkomanecky@savannahnow.comView CommentsSavannah stands ready to protect its people and visitors and local authorities will continue to enforce a mask wearing requirement, Mayor Van Johnson said Thursday in challenging an executive order renewed Wednesday by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.“As you know last night Gov. Brian Kemp attempted to invalidate Savannah’s mask requirement by stripping local authority to enact policy from municipal governments across the state including Atlanta, Augusta, Rome, Hinesville and the governor’s hometown of Athens-Clarke County,” Johnson said. “He has overstepped.”Johnson said the governor’s action, which reiterated that local mask mandates are legally unenforceable, changes nothing.“Nothing has changed from yesterday to today,” Johnson said.Kemp’s orders have stated cities cannot enact requirements that are above what the state requires.Johnson said the city has the authority to enforce the mask-wearing mandate.Masks are required currently in all public places, including businesses.“We believe in this case we are under a public health emergency,” Johnson said. “We believe it’s very clear that we have the right and the responsibility to address an emergency. Those are some of the (legal) grounds we are standing on.”Michael Anthony Kreis, an assistant law professor at Georgia State University, said on Thursday that Gov. Kemp’s initial order left some questions of whether he was actually telling the localities what to do.“Georgia state law provides broad discretion for the governor to act in a public emergency, but it also creates a space for local government to do things.”But, “local governments can’t undermine what the governor is trying to do,” Kries added.“He doesn’t want Savannah to not do anything,” Kreis said of the latest order. ”He’s just saying ’I don’t want you to do anything at all.’ Savannah has a very strong argument in favor of the ordinance. I think that it is highly likely the governor will prevail against the city, but that the city has a slightly stronger position given the law.”Kemp filed a lawsuit on Thursday to block the city of Atlanta’s mask mandate.“This lawsuit is on behalf of the Atlanta business owners and their hardworking employees who are struggling to survive during these difficult times,” he wrote on Twitter. “These men and women are doing their very best to put food on the table for their families while local elected officials shutter businesses and undermine economic growth.“Just like sending in the @GeorgiaGuard to protect those living in our capital city from crime and violence, I refuse to sit back and watch as disastrous policies threaten the lives and livelihoods of our citizens. We will fight to stop these reckless actions and put people over pandemic politics.”Savannah community activist Yolandra Shipp said she believes the mayor is doing the right thing.“I know this hasn’t been easy for the mayor,” Shipp said.“I truly believe that our governor is too busy trying to” please the president, Shipp said.President Donald Trump has helped politicize mask-wearing in recent weeks, including telling one reporter during a news conference that the reporter was wearing a mask just to be politically correct.“You are going to tell me you can’t open the governor’s mansion, but you can open the state? Why can’t I be safe?” Shipp asked.Shipp said this virus is like nothing we’ve ever seen before — and it does not discriminate.“You’re not just killing Black people and Democrats,” Shipp said.Michael Owens, head of the Tourism Leadership Council, agreed that everyone needs to wear a mask. However, threatening to close businesses that don’t comply is a step too far, Owens said.“Business owners recoiled at headlines that business would be shut down for not complying,” Owens said.Owens stressed local businesses strongly support mask wearing and partnered with the city on the Savannah Safe pledge that supports social distancing and other health measures.Owens said some business owners are concerned about their employees becoming involved in confrontations with customers over masks.“It’s the city and the police’s responsibility to enforce laws,” Owens said. “A business shouldn’t be shut down for not doing police work.”Johnson said all businesses have the right to refuse anyone service for not wearing a mask.The mask requirement also pertains to tourists, Johnson noted.Whether Savannah will face a legal fight remains to be seen, but Johnson said he’s ready.“Let the chips fall where they may,” Johnson said.Gov. Brian Kemp is holding a press conference at 8 a.m. Friday.Reporter Jan Skutch contributed to this articleView Comments

DeAnn Komaneckydkomanecky@savannahnow.comView CommentsSavannah stands ready to protect its people and visitors and local authorities will continue to enforce a mask wearing requirement, Mayor Van Johnson said Thursday in challenging an executive order renewed Wednesday by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.“As you know last night Gov. Brian Kemp attempted to invalidate Savannah’s mask requirement by stripping local authority to enact policy from municipal governments across the state including Atlanta, Augusta, Rome, Hinesville and the governor’s hometown of Athens-Clarke County,” Johnson said. “He...

Savannah mayor says Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has ’overstepped’ in mask order battle

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