Local governments wish state officials would do more to combat coronavirus. In a few states, they’re angry that governors have issued orders that preempt cities and counties from setting their own course.
Published April 3, 2020 in Governing by
Like other mayors around the country, Kate Gallego is trying to keep her residents safe. The Phoenix mayor has closed gyms, bars and restaurants and restricted access to parks. But there are limits on how much she can shut down.
Gov. Doug Ducey issued a statewide stay-at-home order on Monday and announced schools will be closed for the remainder of the academic year. Still, Gallego and other Arizona mayors complain his restrictions don’t go far enough. Ducey has deemed many more types of businesses essential than most other governors, including golf courses, nail salons, barbers and pawn shops.
Gallego calls Ducey’s list “laughable,” but there’s nothing she or other mayors can do about closing those businesses.
State preemption of local authority has occurred with increasing frequency over the past decade. The current public health crisis has not halted the trend. In several states, local officials are frustrated they can’t respond as aggressively as they want to the novel coronavirus crisis, due to the policies of their governors. Read the rest of the original article here.