Metro East Sun

Local businesses in Madison County have reopened despite Gov. J.B. Pritzker's orders to remain closed, WLS reported.

Madison County officials voted last week to reopen businesses, effective May 13, even though Pritzker's executive orders prohibit certain businesses from reopening until later, WLS reported.

Madison County Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler told the news agency that the county did not want to be rebellious, but simply wanted to reopen in a "common-sense way."

"The resolution basically declared all businesses and churches essential," Prenzler said.

Pritzker's phased reopen approach calls for restaurants, bars, daycares, salons and gyms to open at 25 percent capacity and salons cannot take clients without appointments.

Pritzker said there would be consequences for those defying the executive orders, WLS reported.

"Here's what I want to say to those leaders: you weren't elected to do what's easy. You were elected to do what's right," Pritzker said.

Pritzker also said he would consider withholding federal aid from municipalities that did not comply with his orders.

"Businesses and individual professionals that are licensed by state agencies will be held accountable for breaching public health orders," Pritzker said.

WLS also reported that Pritzker said local law enforcement and the Illinois State Police would take action; however, Kendall County Sheriff Dwight Baird said he wouldn't break up large gatherings or tell businesses to close because Pritzker's orders are not law.

Prenzler said there needed to be more balance.

"What we're really trying to do here is balance our public health with our economy and jobs and also our constitutional rights," Prenzler told WLS.

Adams County also wants to reopen businesses and passed a resolution last week to reopen, WLS said.

"Our numbers are just far better than they are up north, and we feel like we're being punished because we're all in this together," Adams County Board Chairman Kent Snider told the news agency.