The issuing of mandates that require masking and vaccinations have left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Arizonans. To many citizens, these mandates are even more egregious when they come from higher levels of government, like state and federal.
The unpopularity of mandates appears to be reflected in the increasing number of municipalities that are adopting resolutions that prohibit these types of mandates.
The Town of Fountain Hills, with a vote of 4-3, is the latest to adopt a resolution prohibiting mandates that require masking and vaccinating, as reported by Fountain Hills City Councilman Allen Skillicorn. This resolution was fashioned after a recent Queen Creek resolution, introduced by Councilman Skillicorn, and designated Resolution 2023-35.
The resolution will proactively prevent the town of Fountain Hills, from forcing mask mandates, business closures, vaccination requirements, or curfews on residents or employees. Councilmember Allen Skillicorn drafted and had the resolution added to the agenda. The conservative block of council members Brenda Kalivianakis, Hannah Toth, Gerry Friedel, and Allen Skillicorn all voted in favor of the resolution. All three of the progressive councilmembers Peggy McMahon, Sharron Grzybowski, and Mayor Ginny Dickey voted against.
These resolutions, by themselves, do not prevent the state or federal governments from issuing mandates. However, it appears that the strategy behind this movement is to have enough municipalities express opposition, which will make it difficult if not impossible for those higher levels of governments to enforce such mandates. This sentiment is illustrated by Mr. Skillicorn closing remarks at the October 17th city council meeting.
“The Constitution starts with the phrase ‘We The People.’ This is about personal responsibility and I want to give this power back to the people. It is not the proper role of government to mandate masks. It is not the proper role of government to close businesses,” said Skillicorn. “It is not the proper role of government to force someone to take a jab. It is not the proper role of government to force curfews on the people. Let’s give this power back to the people.”
Skillicorn called on other community leaders to follow suit.
“All municipalities in Arizona need to give this power back to the people and prevent any future mandates, especially with chaotic Governor Katie Hobbs steering our great state.”