Governor Cooper Orders Speedway Closed For Breaking Mass Gathering Rules
Please tell me this isn’t true. Gov. Roy Cooper has ordered an Alamance County speedway to close. He says it violated his executive orders against mass gatherings. He has declared…
Please tell me this isn't true.
Gov. Roy Cooper has ordered an Alamance County speedway to close. He says it violated his executive orders against mass gatherings. He has declared the venue an imminent hazard.
Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen said Ace Speedway could open again if it presents a plan to adhere to state guidelines and that plan is approved by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Cohen said “Mass gatherings do spread the virus. It was irresponsible for them to keep operating in the way they were doing.”
So let me get this straight, It's OK for the Governor and hundreds of people to march next to each other, but the speedway is in violation. Ok just checking.
From the Alamance County Sheriffs Office
Ace Speedway Statement
June 8, 2020
After many sleepless nights and consultation with my staff, I have decided today to advise the citizens of Alamance County and the Media that, I will not be issuing a citation to the owner of the ACE Speedway in Alamance County for having more than 25 people in the race stands this past Saturday June 6, 2020.
I have found through research and contacts with other Sheriffs in the state, that numerous speedways and Go Cart Tracks ran this weekend in North Carolina with no action being taken on those owners or even warnings given. This concerns me greatly to know that my citizens have basically been singled out for the same alleged violations that are occurring all over the State of North Carolina.
While I am having to make a tough decision on what to do, I want to make it clear to all citizens that this is in no way politically motivated on my part. I assure you that I respect the Office of the Governor of North Carolina but I have serious reservations on the legality of his order.
It is within the Governor’s Right to request the court to issue an injunction against ACE Speedway or any other similar event that is currently being operated in the State of North Carolina. It is also within the Governor’s authority to dispatch State Law Enforcement Agencies under his control to issue a citation to ACE Speedway or any other similar event operating in the state.
I have always been taught during my 49 year law enforcement career that if a citation is issued, it is for a clear cut and substantial violation.
I have always tried to treat all persons with respect and dignity. Everyone should be treated equally. My understanding of the law and the conflicting orders issued by the Governor, leads me to question my authority on writing a citation to Mr. Robert Turner, owner of ACE Speedway.
Terry S. Johnson
Sheriff
