Narragansett Town Council Considers Defying Governor's Orders

NARRAGANSETT, RI — As Rhode Island slowly begins its phased reopening, one South County town is considering taking dramatic action to speed things along. During Monday's Town Council meeting, Narragansett town leaders will discuss a resolution that, if approved, will direct the town's police department not to enforce Gov. Gina Raimondo's executive orders related to the coronavirus.

Raimondo has repeatedly said that Rhode Island needs a "slow and steady" approach to reopening to avoid major outbreaks and the need to re-close parts of the economy again.

The Narragansett resolution, introduced by Town Council President Matthew Mannix, said the executive orders closing businesses, limiting social gatherings and more "have imposed substantial harm to the emotional, spiritual and financial well-being of its residents," saying that "Phase One of the plan to reopen the Rhode Island economy includes many cumbersome restrictions on places of worship, restaurants, retail establishments and other small businesses."

The resolution goes on to say that the orders violate citizens' First Amendment rights to worship, as well as constitutional rights to travel and run an economy. Therefore, the police department is ordered not to violate the governor's executive orders, which limited social gatherings to five people or fewer, require everyone wear a fabric face covering when within 6 feet of others, and other restrictions to restaurants and businesses.

Raimondo called the resolution "a huge risk" and "reckless," saying it is her job as governor to protect the people of Rhode Island, and that the executive orders are in place for that reason.

"That's a huge mistake," she said. "We're trying to encourage voluntary compliance. It's so selfish to the people of Rhode Island who put their lives of hold."

The Town Council will meet via Zoom at 7:30 p.m. Monday. Information to join the livestream is available on the meeting agenda.