Proposal granting mayor power during riot

Changing city ordianance to shut down businesses during unrest

La Crosse mayor Tim Kabat will still be able to shut down the gas stations, just not the gun stores.

At least that appears to be the intent of a proposal getting a vote by the city council next month. 

The council will vote on changing a city ordinance that allows the mayor to shut down businesses in case of a riot. The current rule makes a point of saying the mayor, or whoever is in power when the axis of civility starts to tilt, can shut down gas stations, liquor stores and gun stores, along with other businesses. 

The new ordinance eliminates the reference to firearms. The city attorney told WIZM that’s merely a change that reflects a state statute that specifically keeps local government from restricting the access to guns during an emergency.