Believes city’s priorities shouldn’t be on mandate enforcement
A local business in downtown Columbus is being harassed by the Columbus Police Department, ordered by the mayor I would deduce. This business found a loophole in the state mandate and posted a sign that mask were not required in the business. They were visited by Chief Shelton one day and by three officers another day. The sign was removed, and then the business owner was issued a citation this week for not wearing a mask. This business has been the only one I’m aware of harassed by CPD checking the city mask enforcement. The only thing is, the owner has been outspoken about the mask mandate and would like to see a change in city government. I have experienced the repercussions of criticizing the local government. I have been labeled a “racist.” Our brave police in Columbus are over-worked and under-paid already. They have crimes to solve, citizens to protect and a lot more important things to do than harass a tax-paying business about the mask mandate. But, then this is Columbus, the “Friendly City.” We have countless problems, and the Mayor is worried about his mask mandate. Misplaced priorities? I dare say this businessman is going to stand his ground, and I will continue to speak out. Will anyone join us?
God bless America!
Lee Roy Lollar
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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