Vote on Phoenix emergency declaration to be held on Friday

PHOENIX - Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego says a vote to ratify the emergency declaration she made on Tuesday will take place on Friday.

According to a statement released Wednesday night, the ratification vote is continued until Friday.

"At this point, we are not only battling the virus, we are battling time. For every moment of inaction, we will unfortunately pay the price with the lives of residents," read a portion of the statement.

With the declaration of a state of emergency, which was made in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, all bars are ordered closed, and restaurants are ordered to be open for take-out and drive-thru business only, starting at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday.

The emergency declaration has been met with some opposition. On his Twitter page, Phoenix City Councilmember Sal DiCiccio publicly declared his opposition to the decision in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

On Twitter Tuesday, DiCiccio claims with the declaration of a "great emergency" instead of a "local emergency", Gallego will have "unlimited power to rule the City of Phoenix by proclamation for however so long she chooses," with the council having no recourse to rescind or question her actions.

"This is nothing short of martial law, and there is absolutely no way I can or ever will support such a measure," DiCiccio tweeted.

DiCiccio, however, did say he supports "reasonable precautions for businesses and individuals during this crisis."

DiCiccio represents District 6 in Phoenix City Council, which covers Ahwatukee and a portion of Phoenix near Paradise Valley.

According to an agenda for the Phoenix City Council meeting on Wednesday, a request has been made for the council to confirm the emergency declaration. The request is reportedly required under City Code.

On Thursday, city councilmembers entered into an executive session, which took more than three hours to get to a motion to continue the vote. In the meantime, the emergency declaration is still in effect.

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