Warren Mayor 'Very Disappointed' As Indoor Dining Reversed

WARREN, NJ — Warren Mayor Michael "Mick" Marion is "very disappointed" in Gov. Phil Murphy's decision to postpone the reopening of indoor dining in New Jersey amid the coronavirus.

Indoor dining had been set to reopen on Thursday until Murphy "hit pause" on Monday due to the spikes in other states, which he says were largely driven by the reopening of indoor dining and bars. Read More: Gov. Murphy Postpones NJ Indoor Dining Reopen Amid Coronavirus

"His actions seem purely reactionary to perhaps a National view. What's more bothersome is his unilateral approach. Why is he not working with Legislature to form a more cohesive approach...," Marion said.

"Theses restaurant owners have spent a lot of money to prepare for this opening and I can say from Warren's perspective, all have gone above and beyond to open with social distancing as a top priority. Gov. Murphy needs to do better for New Jersey, we deserve better representation," Marion continued.

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Marion is also a member of The Mayors for Main Street Alliance, which has 19 mayors from four different counties, who are advocating to Murphy for the swift and safe reopening of businesses within their communities that continue to be shut down as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Read More: Reopen All Nonesssential Businesses Now: 19 NJ Mayors Tell Murphy

Jack M. Ciattarelli of Hillsborough, who is running for governor of New Jersey for 2022, critizied Murphy's decision to postpone indoor dining.

"These small business owners bought food, hired staff, spent thousands cleaning, preparing, and taking safety precautions. The vast majority of them, and patrons, never violated a word of the restrictions. All to have the rug pulled out from under them [because] of other states? Come on," Ciattarelli tweeted.

As of Tuesday New Jersey has 461 additional coronavirus cases and 47 more deaths bringing the state's total to 171,667 cases and 13,181 confirmed deaths.

To support local restaurants and businesses in and around Warren check out this local guide here.

• Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know; See more stories about New Jersey's coronavirus recovery.

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