Former Chicago alderman candidate David Krupa argues it was always senseless for Gov. J.B. Pritzker to put himself out on an island when it comes to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Some people look at the case numbers here compared to other states and see some of the numbers may be a bit lower, but you have to ask yourself at what cost has that come at?” Krupa told Chicago City Wire. “For instance, I think it was crazy of the governor to put in place a plan that was completely opposite of what all the neighboring states were doing because given the close proximity of the borders, someone could have just crossed over and brought it back. That’s imprudent because in the meantime his actions caused thousands of residents and businesses to leave the state.”
With the state now having finally moved into Phase 4 of the governor’s five-part Restore Illinois plan, more businesses can open with fewer restrictions. Gatherings of up to 50 people and restricted indoor dining at restaurants are now also permitted. In addition, movie theaters, performing arts center, zoos and museums can reopen on a limited basis. But Krupa worries that the damage may have already been done and the floodgates may still be open.
“After all the weeks of being shuttered or operating at limited capacity, businesses are still being forced to function at just 50%,” he said. “Take small dine-in restaurants, everyone knows they need to be at least 75% capacity just to be able to break even. Anything less than that really doesn’t do them much justice.”
Long a proponent of choice, Krupa said he’s convinced a better course would have been to allow facilities to open and allow people to make their own decision about continuing to patronize them.
“It’s not the government’s job to just make the decision for everyone,” he added. “The government is abusing its power in doing so."
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