‘I Am In Full Support’: Atlanta City Council Member Weighs In On Mayor’s Expected Mask Mandate
Atlanta City Council member Andre Dickens told “Morning Edition” host Lisa Rayam public safety would be his first priority if elected mayor.
Courtesy of Atlanta City Council
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms told WABE on Wednesday morning that she plans to sign an executive order later in the day mandating the use of face masks in public spaces.
“We’ve given a lot of thought on it, and we will be going forward with a mask ordinance in our city today,” Bottoms said.
Atlanta joins other Georgia cities — including East Point and Athens — in testing an order from Gov. Brian Kemp that bars local governments from setting their own public health rules.
Shortly after Bottoms made this announcement, Atlanta City Council member Andre Dickens told “Closer Look” host Rose Scott he is in “full support” of the “bold step.”
Still, Dickens acknowledged the mandate comes while Atlanta is in a “heightened state” over conversations about police reform.
“I know ‘mandate’ is an inflammatory word to some people,” Dickens said before adding he does not want police officers to serve as “mask managers.”
“I think there are some challenges that we will have to navigate through. Nothing is perfect, and the nuances are very real,” he said.
Guest:
To listen to the full conversation, click on the audio player above.
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