Dimitrijevic Introduces Mask Mandate
Mayor Barrett and council President Johnson endorse a city-wide mandate.
Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic meets with County Supervisor Ryan Clancy. Photo from the alderwoman.
Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, chair of the Common Council’s Public Safety & Health Committee, has introduced a proposal that would require the wearing of masks in public spaces in the city of Milwaukee.
The proposal will first be heard at a July 2nd meeting of the Public Safety & Health Committee.
“The science on face coverings is clear, as they help stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. When you wear a face mask during this pandemic, you are demonstrating care for our community. The fastest way to reopen our economy safely and return to a new normal is by covering your mouth and nose in public,” said the alderwoman.
Dimitrijevic, first elected in April, told Urban Milwaukee she had been working since last week on her proposal. A group of more than 75 businesses sent a letter to Mayor Tom Barrett and Common Council President Cavalier Johnson calling for a mandate to be instituted on Tuesday morning.
Barrett said he was open to the idea on Tuesday afternoon, and said he thought in order for a mandate to withstand legal challenge it needed to originate within the Common Council.
Johnson endorsed the idea of a mandate in a text message to Urban Milwaukee on Monday night.
Wisconsin is one of four states that does not have any state or local mask regulations according to Masks4All.
A draft file, pending in the city’s Legistar legislative management system, does not contain details on exceptions or requirements. The file is dated May 27th and was introduced June 29th.
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Related Legislation: File 200344
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I serve on the Fox Valley Transit Commission. At our last meeting a week ago, the first in four months, I asked why there was no mask mandate for riders and drivers on our buses. The manager said the drivers don’t want to wear masks because they are uncomfortable and he regards mandating masks for riders “is a civil rights issue.” I proposed letting masked riders ride for free, that would take the rights issue off the table especially in view of the fact the City of Appleton just received $7 million in transit aid to offset Covid expenses. At that rate you could go without fares for the next two years. My idea received no support from other commission members. Riders who critically need public transportation are afraid to board buses under current conditions.