Kendall County Times

Kendall County Republican Party Chairman James Marter argues this is no time for partisan politics.

“I would welcome anyone calling on the governor to do the right thing,” Marter told the Kendall County Times of a growing number of Democrats now demanding that Gov. J.B. Pritzker hold public hearings to justify his latest COVID-19 restrictions. “We all need answers about where and how he’s coming up with these numbers."

Citing rising infection rates, Pritzker recently ordered counties across the state to reenact restrictions, including banning indoor bar and restaurant service. The move has quickly raised the ire of many small business owners still reeling from the impact of the governor’s initial shutdown.

“Democrats are small business owners and their constituents are working people, too,” Marter added in speculating about the abrupt change of position among Democratic lawmakers. “I think they’re finally tired of this as well. COVID fatigue and COVID stress syndrome is effecting everyone rather you’ve experienced it or not. It isn’t a partisan issue, but one of a survival because we’re killing our state.”

Among Democrats, one of the loudest critics has come to be state Rep. LaShawn Ford of Chicago, who recently charged Pritzker “can’t rule with an iron fist” on the issue.

“Taxpayers deserve to be included in this process so they can share their data as well,” he added. “Nothing for us, without us.”

Marter said it still perplexes him that the governor hasn’t adapted his approach in the roughly eight months that the virus has now been here.

“There’s no question the virus is real, but it’s not as deadly as predicted and we’ve learned a lot in terms of what are the best ways for treating it,” he said. “We just need to get the government out of the way. If the Democrats can help with that by getting involved, I’m all for it as long as it helps the people of the state.”