Ducey Talks Vaccine, Props Up Chucri, Slams Ward, She Hits Back

A maskless Governor Doug Ducey (left) and Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Chucri (right) join ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ in a discussion of new COVID-19 related actions and the “importance of wearing masks and socially distancing.”

PHOENIX⁠ — On Thursday, Governor Doug Ducey announced a series of questionable actions in response to the increase of positive COVID-19 tests results. Speaking at the State Public Health Laboratory, Ducey emphasized the need for wearing masks, outlined his plans for the distribution of the vaccine, and threw a small amount of money at desperate restaurants struggling to stay afloat.

During the question and answer period of the event, the testy governor took a cheap shot at AZGOP Chair Dr. Kelli Ward, in response to the fact that on December 1, she questioned his decision to certify the state’s election results despite serious allegations of fraud.

The maskless governor told Ward to “practice what you preach;” in essence telling her to be quiet.

Ward hit back on Twitter:

Ducey trotted out Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Chucri, CEO/lobbyist for the Arizona Restaurant Association, to announce an Executive Order easing red tape on outdoor dining. The order makes it easier for restaurants to expand outdoor dining spaces.

Chucri, who along with his fellow supervisors has come under fire for mismanagement of the 2020 General Election in Maricopa County, took center stage to tout the new first-come-first-serve Safest Outside Restaurant Assistance Program. The program provides funding up to $10,000 per restaurant for items they need to extend their outdoor dining premise, including outdoor furniture, barriers, patio heaters, patio covers, and more.