CHARLOTTESVILLE (WINA) – Former Greene County Commonwealth’s Attorney Matt Hardin filed suit Monday morning on behalf of Schilling Show host Rob Schilling and Tobey’s Pawn Shop owner Tobey Bouch challenging Governor Northam’s mask order. Hardin says Bouch is concerned for his employees’ health and safety , and says he’s willing to file on behalf of other businesses who would like to join.
At a press conference before the event, Schilling said, “There is no one above the law, and that includes the governor and his minions.”
Hardin said Bouch is concerned for the health and safety of his customers. He’s concerned selling firearms that he cannot discern what is the intent of someone in a mask, whether it’s for health reasons or robbery. Hardin says masks also collect a cocktail of bacteria that could endanger the health of an employee having to wear it on an 8-to-12-hour shift.
Hardin argues the state has a law prohibiting masks in public, and the Governor does not have the constitutional authority to set aside that law “by whim”.
The suit — filed Monday morning in Albemarle County District Court names the Governor, state Health Commissioner Norman Oliver, state Attorney General Mark Herring, and Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Hingeley. Hardin invites other state business owners to join the suit — or file another with his help — and he’s representing plaintiffs pro bono.
