Town supervisor in Erie County challenging mask mandate

Erie County’s strict mask mandate is now being challenged by the supervisor of a Western New York town.

Earl Gingrich, who supervises the town of Marilla, says he doesn’t want people there to be forced into wearing masks indoors. On Friday, Gingrich told News10NBC’s affiliates in Buffalo that his stance on indoor masking has been made clear to the county.

"I did officially notify the Erie County Health Department last evening," said Gingrich. "I sent a fax down to their (health) department stating our position and kindly asking them to not to come to the Town of Marilla to enforce that mandate."

In a statement, County Executive Mark Poloncarz’s office says this is a case of an elected official valuing political posturing over protecting his constituents. The county’s mask mandate applies to anyone over two years old when they are at an indoor establishment.