The national debate about whether to wear a face mask reached the Rhinelander common council chambers.
During the public input section of Monday's meeting, Mayor Chris Frederickson reported he had received about the same number of letters asking the council to wear a mask versus people who wrote in saying don't do it..
"It's a substantial amount, probably 20 and 22 on each side, 20 for, 22 against wearing masks..."
Fredericson says the request was to mandate wearing a mask. He asked alder Gerald Anderson if he felt safe because they were six feet apart should the mayor remove his mask...
"I don't know, that's not how I interpret the guidelines. Any internal space where people are together, even six feet, has some problems..."
But Frederickson said he felt if he removed his mask it would not be a danger. He says they've taken extra precautions in city government to protect workers and the public. Frederickson works in health care and wears a mask at his job. He removed his mask and explained why...
"I don't deny anybody the right to protect themselves to that point, nor would I ever, yet at the same time to mandate other people's rights be removed or taken or whatever, I'm not there yet, either..."
Frederickson says if there was a mass outbreak the outlook might change.
Six of eight council members wore masks.
