The resolution to reopen Otero County to pre-pandemic levels failed to pass at the Otero County Commission meeting April 8 in a 2 to 1 vote.
The resolution was proposed by District 2 Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin, who was the sole vote in favor of passage. Commissioners Gerald Matherly and Vickie Marquardt voted against the measure..
Marquardt, District 3 commissioner, opened the discussion with a review of her conversation with New Mexico (Association of) Counties Executive Director Steve Kopelman. (Kopelman s) recommendation is that we table (the resolution) until some changes can be made because he felt some of the stuff that was in it was illegal and he definitely didn t like the part in there about the sheriff s office being asked to be involved in this, Marquardt said.
In its April 8 meeting, the Otero County Commission will consider a resolution which proposes that all public buildings, private businesses and other public gathering spaces in the County operate as normal, in violation of New Mexico s emergency public health orders.
The resolution, proposed by Otero County Commission Vice Chairman Couy Griffin, declares Otero County 100% open for business, pointing to the U.S. Constitution and New Mexico Constitution as proof the orders are invalid. This will be a great day for Otero County when we push back on the Unconstitutional Coronavirus mandates, Griffin said via email.
Resolutions do not hold the weight of law as an ordinance would. Instead resolutions show a political entity s support or understanding of a situation. This resolution states Otero County offices may reopen to pre-COVID-19 standards and that the use of face coverings is no longer mandatory.