Paul Gokukin addresses Androscoggin County commissioners Wednesday night at the county building in Auburn. He demonstrates how his shirt is as effective as a cloth mask against COVID-19 and said he believes they are basically useless, rendering the mask mandate ineffective.
Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal
AUBURN With spectators shouting “cowards” and “shame,” a divided Androscoggin County Commission voted to table a resolution rejecting the COVID-19 mask mandate ordered by Gov. Janet Mills.
The 4-3 vote came after more than two hours of debate among commissioners and the testimony of nearly two dozen residents from Androscoggin, Kennebec and Oxford counties. All spoke in favor of the resolution, presented by Commissioner Isaiah Lary of Wales, which called the executive orders from the governor a violation of the Maine Constitution.