Rep. Dan Caulkin is considering having the Governor or Attorney General look into the legality of a Champaign City Council executive order granting the mayor broad powers.
Rep. Dan Caulkin is considering having the Governor or Attorney General look into the legality of a Champaign City Council executive order granting the mayor broad powers.
An executive order approved by the Champaign City Council has Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) protesting against government overreach and potential illegal powers as the office of mayor has been granted broad powers to ban certain sales and even take possession of a citizen's property.
While stating coronavirus must be taken seriously, Caulkins asked what gave the council the right to grant powers ranging from banning the sale of electricity and water to the rationing of clothing. He referred to the order as being out of line if not illegal.
“I think is it irresponsible of the city council to take these steps that will further result in spreading panic and fear into the community,” Caulkins said in a press statement.
Caulkis is concerned about overreach and possible illegal powers granted as a result of an executive order by the Champaign City Council.
The council’s action came as a response to the coronavirus pandemic but was termed irresponsible by Caulkins. He is considering asking the governor and attorney general to investigate its legality. Among the mayor’s powers is the ability to ban the sale of utilities, firearms, gasoline and take possession of a citizen’s property. Other potential powers given to the mayor are instituting price controls and rationing.
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