South Central Reporter

Madison County Board member Don Moore argues Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s extreme arrogance has now become a liability for him.

“Gov. Pritzker is spiraling out of control and has become his own worst enemy,” Moore told the South Central Reporter. “This is what happens when a lifetime of enormous wealth can buy you anything except respect. His defiance of President *Donald) Trump and lack of leadership skills has led him to fining Illinois business owners for not wearing a paper face mask.”

Pritzker wants to enact a law that would allow businesses to be fined up to $2,500 for failure to enforce regulations for face coverings and social distancing. As Republicans have quickly voiced their opposition to the proposal, the governor has defended his position by arguing the change will aid law enforcement, local boards of health, school districts and the public in enforcing the use of face coverings and social-gathering restrictions.

In May, Pritzker tried enacting similar legislation, but withdrew it before a planned Joint Commission on Administrative Rules hearing amid much criticism.

Moore previously blasted the governor for turning to what he sees as criminal behavior in his desperate attempt to control the virus.

“I’ve always believed he had only 30 days to impose his shutdown order and anything beyond that is illegal,” Moore said soon after Pritzker warned he tougher restrictions could become if conronavirus infection rates continue to rise across the state. “Now, here we are again with him threatening to overstep his authority.”

Cass, Gallatin, Jackson, Jo Daviess, Johnson, Perry, Randolph, Saline, Sangamon, St. Clair and White counties were all recently highlighted as potential hotspots and are now at “warning levels” for outbreaks.