Madison County has recently claimed attention for its stance on the state’s recent mask mandate. Its neighboring county, however, is taking a different approach to addressing the mandate.
Under the guidance of Republican Anthony Picente, a less restrictive mask and vaccine mandate for indoor public places in Oneida County went into effect last week — just a day before the governor announced a similar measure.
County Executive Picente called it a necessary step, while Madison County said it will not enforce the state’s mandate, calling it difficult to enforce while still recommending it be followed.
Picente acknowledged the difficulty in maintaining compliance, but says it’s what needs to happen.
“There’s 11 counties or so out there who have said they’re not going to enforce it. They might as well say they don’t care about their residents. I’m sorry, but I take a different approach,” said Picente.
Gov. Hochul has left her mandate up to county officials to enforce. From border to border, the stances are variable. In Onondaga County, on the other side of Madison, the county executive has expressed criticism for the mandate, while noting he’s hoping for community partnership in enforcing it, while avoiding more punitive punishments for businesses that are less compliant.
