Two of St. Lawrence County’s state legislators, both Republicans, are criticizing Gov. Andrew Cuomo for excluding movie theaters, gyms and malls from phase four of businesses reopening.

Phase four is expected to begin in the North Country region at midnight, Friday, June 26.

Assemblyman Mark Walczyk, R-Watertown, said he thinks excluding those businesses is unfair.

“Originally, places like malls, movie theaters, gyms, among others, were told they would be part of Phase 4 and would be able to open their doors. But now they are now left hanging in limbo. These businesses were prepping to reopen and get people back to work and now the State has pulled the rug out from underneath them. No timetable for when they can open their doors. This is unacceptable,” Walczyk said in a prepared statement. “I listened to the frustration of business owners in NNY and personally asked the Governor for details for the next phases. We said no more false starts and here we are again. We’ve kept our word and did our part, it’s time the Governor keeps his and stop moving the goal posts. I appreciate the Governor’s strong leadership and decisiveness at the onset of the crisis, but we didn’t elect him King and it’s time for him to take off the crown.”

Walczyk represents the 116th Assembly District, the so-called “River District.”

Sen. Joe Griffo, R-Rome, said he thinks the excluded businesses would be able to take appropriate measures to protect public health.

“I understand that there continues to be challenges and concerns when it comes to the reopening of businesses in the region,” Griffo said in a prepared statement “Many of these venues are ready and willing to resume operations while undertaking the appropriate public health protocols required to protect customers and limit the potential spread of COVID-19. I urge the Governor to reevaluate and reexamine how to allow these businesses to reopen safely and restart our economy.”

Griffo represents the 47th Senate District.

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