Statement from Mayor Greg Mengarelli Regarding the Governors Declaration of Emergency
Earlier today Governor Ducey issued a Declaration of State of Emergency “Imposition of Curfew”, this declaration states:
During the hours of curfew (8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. tonight thru Monday, June 8 at 5:00 a.m.) , all persons are prohibited from using, standing, sitting, traveling or being present on any public street or in any public place, including for the purpose of travel, with the following exemptions:
- All law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics or other medical personnel, National Guard, as well as any other emergency response personnel authorized by the State of Arizona, and credentialed members of the media.
- Individuals traveling directly to and from work; attending religious services; commercial trucking and delivery services; obtaining food; caring for a family member, friend, or animal; patronizing or operating private businesses; seeking medical care or fleeing dangerous circumstances; and travel for any of the above services.
For purposes of this order, “travel” includes, without limitation, travel on foot, bicycle, skateboard, scooter, motorcycle, automobile, or public transit, or any other mode of transporting a person from one location to another. - For purposes of this order, “public place” means any place, whether on privately or publicly owned property, accessible to the general public, including but not limited to public streets and roads, alleys, highways, driveways, sidewalks, parks, vacant lots, and unsupervised property. “
Regarding a “public place” this includes private commercial property like shopping center parking lots, vacant lots, or other businesses generally opened to the public. This does not preclude legitimate operations of lawful businesses.
We stand with the Governor and all of our leaders when we say that the death of George Floyd was tragic and abhorrent. We are prepared to listen to those who seek to have a civil dialogue to ensure it never happens again.
I want to urge calm, restraint and understanding at this time. We live and work in a wonderful community where we have a tradition of peaceful public expression. Thankfully, we have not had any incidents of violence related to this matter. Our law enforcement officers are committed to maintaining peace and public safety.