NJ Gov Candidate Calls For Gathering Limit, Face Mask Lift By May

NEW JERSEY - A former Assemblyman who has filed for candidacy in the 2021 Republican gubernatorial primary race in New Jersey is calling on Gov. Phil Murphy to lift several coronavirus-related restrictions by next month, arguing that Murphy’s recent executive orders and “lack of clear direction” are negatively affecting the state economy.

Ciattarelli was a 16th Legislative District Assemblyman from 2011 to 2018 and previously ran for governor in 2017. He came in second in the primaries behind then-Republican nominee Kim Guadagno.

The candidate released a proposal for reopening New Jersey this week, which includes the governor’s surrender of emergency powers immediately as well as the lift of all indoor gathering limits, outdoor gathering limits and outdoor mask mandates by May 15.

"In March 2020, Governor Murphy declared a State of Emergency and invoked his executive powers. Fourteen months later, he is still ruling by executive order and our school children, small businesses, and state economy are still suffering," said Ciattarelli. “It is past time for a new approach and bold leadership.”

According to the statement, Ciattarelli vows to offer a “clear and defined timetable for reopening and easing restrictions” as it pertains to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

"Governor Murphy once claimed 'data would determine dates.' More than a year into this pandemic, however, he refuses to provide any clear reasoning behind his executive orders,” Ciattarelli said. “He also fails to provide firm dates for the reopening of our economy and our lives. He has opened the doors to nursing homes, where our most vulnerable live and over 8,000 have died due to his negligence. At the same time, he has closed the doors to schools, where our least vulnerable learn and need to be full-time. The result has been a lost year for so many of our students, with gaps in education and mental health issues skyrocketing.”

Here’s what Ciattarelli is calling for Murphy to implement:

• End emergency powers immediately and allow for the legislature to reassert its constitutional and equal role in our government.
• Lift all indoor gathering limits by May 15. While indoor mask requirements would continue in the short term, they should be eased or eliminated as vaccination rates rise.
• Lift all outdoor gathering limits by May 15. Social distancing would still be encouraged, but end the outdoor mask mandate on May 15.
• Reopen bar seating for traditional service at restaurants.

• Though a local decision, encourage school districts, based on the easing of restrictions, to allow both high school proms and graduations to proceed.
• Cover the cost of optional summer enrichment programs and tutoring for students, with a priority on special needs students.
• Require schools to reopen for full-time, in-person learning next September with the state providing, if necessary, grants for public health measures (i.e. improving air ventilation systems).

Ciattarelli will be running for the Republican nomination in the June 8 primary gubernatorial election. Other Republicans who filed include former Franklin Township mayor Brian Levine, Hoboken church pastor Phil Rizzo and businessman Hrish Singh.

Current governor Phil Murphy may be running in an uncontested Democratic primary race. Read more: Murphy May Be Unopposed In Primary As 2 Tossed From Race