NE Valley Times

At the Fountain Hills council meeting, Councilman Allen Skillicorn introduced a new resolution aimed at addressing the prevention of mandatory COVID-19 protective measures, which was subsequently passed.

"All municipalities in Arizona need to give this power back to the people and prevent any future mandates, especially with chaotic Governor Katie Hobbs steering our great state."

In a close vote of 4-to-3, the Fountain Hills Council approved Resolution 2023-35. Councilmembers Brenda Kalivianakis, Hannah Toth, Gerry Friedel, and Skillicorn all voted in favor of the resolution. This resolution aims to block the reintroduction of required COVID-19 protective measures, including vaccinations and mask mandates, claiming that such measures should be up to individuals, according to the Resolution.

Councilmember Peggy McMahon stated that during Covid, “Facts changed every single day.”  Skillicorn replied, “If your facts change every day, then they are not facts.” Councilmember Brenda Kalivianakis said, “This was a politically charged issue, which they forced upon us. We have to learn from our mistakes. I am not going to wear a mask of obedience by an oppressive government", according to Councilman Skillicorn's website.

“The Constitution starts with the phrase ‘We The People,’" said Skillicorn, according to his website. "This is about personal responsibility and I want to give this power back to the people. It is not the proper role of government to mandate masks. It is not the proper role of government to close businesses. It is not the proper role of government to force someone to take a jab. It is not the proper role of government to force curfews on the people. Let’s give this power back to the people."

"Because the decision to receive a COVID-19 vaccination is a personal decision that should be made according to an individual’s own convictions and employees of the Town of FOUNTAIN HILLS will not be compelled to wear mask or be vaccinated to keep their jobs," section 4 of the Resolution states.

Skillicorn, formerly a Congressman for Illinois from 2017 to 2021, has held roles such as precinct committeeman for the Arizona Republican Party Legislative District 3, Arizona Republican State Committeeman, and more. Skillicorn is also a multi-business owner and serves as the executive director for the grassroots political organization Grassroots Revolution, according to the Fountain Hills' website.