SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken has changed his mind and will now support a mask mandate.
As long as it contains an important compromise from the last effort, so citizens won’t be punished if they break it.
“A non-penalty amendment to be brought forward for that mandate, which would remove a penalty if there is a mask mandate in place.”
TenHaken says for the first time that the health experts he consults with are now calling for a mandate.
The surge keeps surging.
“Our COVID cases in the state are growing at an unacceptable rate. This in turn is putting a tremendous strain on our health care system.”
TenHaken’s switch adds to the growing momentum that a city-wide mask requirement will be approved eventually. City Council was looking at the first reading of the new effort at Tuesday night’s meeting.
Councilor Pat Starr has told KELO.com News that he predicts at least six votes in favor of the mandate, and that was before TenHaken’s public shift.
The last time Council took up a mandate measure, it failed when TenHaken broke a 4-4 tie.
