SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken testified remotely on Monday at the expanded Veto Day in Pierre on ways his city is fighting the spread of COVID-19.
He says he would like to have the power to shut down businesses but would use the power only as a very last resort.
“I think there is a lot of other strategies to utilize before we get to that point. And want this committee to know that I am committed to those, in fact, most of those…”
The expanded Veto Session is looking at an emergency package from the Governor on fighting the coronavirus. It would expand her emergency powers.
The TenHaken Administration has so far refused to talk about actually closing down businesses in Sioux Falls. Instead, it is using a new ordinance that bans bars, restaurants, and other similar operations from having more than nine customers at any one time.
This was a historic Veto Day – the first time for online voting. Many lawmakers chose to participate remotely from home. to show an example of social distancing.
