WEST FRANKFORT (WSIL) -- West Frankfort business owners now have the option of re-opening stores and restaurants. Mayor Tom Jordan says city officials will not fine businesses if they decide to reopen.
"If they have to open because of their financial situation, the city stands with them, behind them, beside them."
Mayor Jordan says it's time to give back some of the power to business owners and residents.
"Everybody understood that there was a great plague that was going to come upon us, but I think we muted that. So now we need people to get back to what they were doing before. It becomes a point where it has to be given back to the people. Their freedom has to be given back."
"It's not a political conversation. It's a difference of opinion, but the ramification is affecting our economy and our businesses so terribly. If we lock down the state of Illinois until the end of July, I don't know if we'll have a state of Illinois. I don't know if we'll have a West Frankfort," added Jordan.
West Frankfort businesses will have to continue following safety measures, such as social distancing, hand washing, and wearing a facial covering or mask.
Mayor Jordan says several businesses have told him that, although they welcome the choice to reopen, they're nervous about going through with it.
"The governor has some authority. I mean, the beauty shops are worried about their licenses. The liquor stores are worried they'll be fined and have their liquor licenses taken."
If you have a business in West Frankfort and would like to reopen, Mayor Jordan asks that you contact .
The city is also working with public parks in the area to reopen as well.
