File photo
File photo
Several businesses are being proactive in reopening despite the governor’s stay-at-home orders, but as far as Mount Vernon Mayor John Lewis is concerned, that issue is between them and the state.
The mayor is taking a neutral stance in the matter.
“We’re not going to stop any of them, we’re not going to be in their way, that’s a fight,” Lewis told KFVS. “That’ll be a fight between the State of Illinois, health department and the courts.”
Given the economic issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the city could also use the tax revenue. Mount Vernon was staring at a projected $1.3 million shortfall prior to the extension of the executive order. Given the city’s financial issues, the impact is hitting the residents just as hard, which Lewis recognizes. Unemployment in the state continues to rise – topping 20% in the latest state figures – as people are looking for relief.
“I feel like everyone should be open because people got to pay bills; it’s only a matter of time before the stimulus check runs out,” Mount Vernon resident Merl Middleton said.
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