Springfield, Illinois – A maskless Alderman wanted a reporter removed from tonight’s City Council meeting after the reporter, who was taking pictures, was accused of violating the Alderman’s space.
Bruce Rushton, a reporter with the Illinois Times, attended the City Council meeting tonight and was accused by maskless Ward 1 Alderman Chuck Redpath of violating his space.
In an audio clip that is now published on the City of Springfield’s website, Redpath said to Mayor Jim Langfelder that he told Rushton that he didn’t want him to come to the front of the room. The reason why Redpath didn’t want Rushton to come to the front of the room was because Redpath didn’t have on a mask. “Are you going to say something about this?” Redpath asked the Mayor. “No. No I’m not,” replied Langfelder. “You’re going to let him walk around the room?” Redpath replied. “He (Rushton) has his mask on. He’ll keep his distance” said Langfelder. “But I don’t have my mask on and I don’t want to put it on because I’m 20 feet away from him,” responded Redpath.
After Langfelder attempted to start the meeting he was interrupted again. “I’m not going to forget this mayor, this is really important. I’m really angry with you about this,” Redpath said.
It is unknown at this time if Redpath will be ticketed by Springfield Police Chief Kenny Winslow for violating the City of Springfield’s mask mandate which requires individuals to wear masks in any indoor space. Winslow, who has shown thus far that he isn’t hesitant with writing citations for face mask violations, has so far issued 1 face mask citation. That citation was issued to a Moto Mart gas station customer after the customer told Winslow that he was “just trying to pay for his shit.”
Stay tuned to Springfield Leaks for further updates.