Agenda - Council - 04/13/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Wade Lazlo, 5425 152nd Ave NW, commented that he would like to speak in favor of the resolution not to enforce the mask mandate. He stated that the government is designed to be three parts and for the last year this country has been run by the executive branch. He commented that executive orders are meant to be temporary and one year is not temporary. He stated that senators and representatives are elected to represent the people and that is being overridden by one man. He stated that all the representatives of this area have voted to overturn the powers of the Governor. He stated that these mandates are unlawful orders and should not be enforced. He stated that the Supreme Court is starting to strike down the unconstitutional mandates. He provided examples of cities that regularly do not enforce certain laws. He stated that actual laws are being overridden by executive order. He commented that businesses are the lifeblood of Ramsey and the Governor has been very selective in choosing winners and losers during the past year. He stated that he supports the resolution. He stated that if enforcement is going to be done for the mask mandate, it should be followed completely in that businesses should not ask what your medical reason is for not wearing a mask. Vinicius Taguchi, Chapter President of Twin Cities Japanese American Citizens League, commented that tonight marks one week since the tragic hate crime that took place in Atlanta, which took the lives of eight people, six of whom were Asian women. He read their names aloud and asked that the group join him in a moment of silence. Joe Fields interrupted and asked and if the present speaker is a Ramsey resident as he believed that this hearing is for Ramsey residents. Mayor Kuzma commented that the speaker is not a Ramsey resident. He stated that this portion of the meeting is reserved for citizen input and can have outside citizens speak. Mr. Fields asked for clarification from the City Attorney. City Attorney Langel confirmed that someone does not have to be a resident to speak as there is no residency requirement. Mr. Fields asked why people are required to provide their address. Mr. Taguchi commented that the recent surge in high profile attacks against Asian Americans is part of a long history of discrimination, which Councilmember Howell eluded to and dangerously mischaracterized during the March 9th Council meeting. He stated that this violence will continue to occur as long as Asian women continue to be fetishized and Asian Americans continue to be underrepresented and regarded as a model minority. He stated that its detrimental to their culture and drives a wedge between Asian Americans and other minorities. He introduced Sally Sudo to respond to Councilmember Howell's comments. Sally Sudo, retired teacher from Minneapolis Schools and Minneapolis resident, commented that when she heard that a Councilmember likened the mask mandate to the Japanese American experience during World War II, she was appalled because she is a survivor of one of those concentration camps. She thanked the Council for allowing her to speak tonight to share her experiences. She commented that there is no comparison between the mask mandate and what the City Council / March 23, 2021 Page 3 of 24