Oneonta mask ordinance vetoed by mayor

Mayor Gary Herzig says ordinance doesn't do enough

Common cocil passed an ordinance requiring the use of face masks and face coverings on private and public property in the city of oneonta.

The ordinance mirrored a state mandate issued by governor cuomo in april.

A public hearing regarding the mask ordincewas hf tonight's common council meeting.

Participants were able to participate via zoom, or they could mail or email comments directly to the city prior to the hearing.

Some voiced their support for the ordinance while others felt the city was overreaching in their authority to enact it.

Following the public hearingoneg announced that he was exercising his right to veto the ordinance.

"i believe council's intent on adopting this ordinance, was to make local law enforcement of the current state law more effective.

I do not believe however that this ordinance will achieve that purpose.

I want it to be known that i support a mask ordinance which keeps us safe.

I do not believe that this one will.

I am therefore exercising my right to veto this ordinance."

The mayor also said that he believes wearing a mask in the city's business districts is what's needed most., and if the council can move forward and come up with an ordinace that targets these areas of risk in an enforceable manner, then he would fully support that ordinance.

Going county by countyh the