On Tuesday, July 14th, the Board of Commissioners approved a mask ordinance for DeKalb County. I am absolutely in favor of wearing masks in public and local Ordinances to help us achieve that goal in DeKalb County and our Cities. Regrettably, I could not vote affirmatively for the ordinance offered today and I am deeply saddened that I had to Abstain. The Ordinance is designed “to be punitive” rather than have a focus on Compliance and Education.
Today’s ordinance had unclear and problematic definitions that were modified on the fly during the meeting. It came to us today with blanks in it that were filled out in the meeting. Despite being modified as we go, the final version still has problems because of its misplaced focus.
The sponsor of the ordinance did not consult with or engage the police department in how they would carry out their newly acquired enforcement duties. In our COVID update earlier in the day we heard from medical and public safety experts.
 
They noted:
a) Mask Ordinances should focus on Education and Compliance; and
 
b) Our police department “needs non-enforcement engagements with our communities to build positive relationships.” Instead police and code enforcement will be issuing citations for fines to be levied whenever our courts open back up.
I want DeKalb to have a mask ordinance and would have voted for an ordinance that was more focused on education and compliance then on punishment. In the end an amount of money was approved for an education campaign which I hope offsets the negativity of the Ordinance.
Regardless of the vote, I urge you to wear a mask in public, with the appropriate exceptions for exercise & other health issues and to respect 6-foot distancing.
 
Thank you for the honor of representing you. If you have suggestions or comments, please reply by email to kgannon@dekalbcountyga.gov
 
Thank You and Stay Safe.
 
Kathie