Dallas City Wire

After Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins ordered craft stores to close, limited group gatherings, and implemented shelter-in-place, Dallas County commissioners voted to limit Jenkins’ emergency powers.

In an April 3 letter, Jenkins told Hobby Lobby that the retail category was considered non-essential, despite the claims of Hobby Lobby, Joann and Michaels that they are essential because they sell supplies for making personal protective equipment, like face masks. Dallas Morning News obtained a copy of the letter to Hobby Lobby’s lawyer, Peter Dobelbower.

“It does not appear that Hobby Lobby meets the criteria in the order,” Jenkins wrote. “Our county is facing unprecedented challenges now and we want to ensure that you are aware of the obligations placed on you.”

On April 7, the board voted unanimously to limit Jenkins’ powers after several conversations with Jenkins, who disagreed with the board’s amendment that he get approval from county commissioners to extend the shelter-in-place order.

Jenkins objected to having to stay in contact with the board to make decisions.

“We’re just not going to be able to get things done if we stop and have a two- or three-hour meeting every day on things like whether or not people should solicit at your home or not,” Dallas Morning News quotes Jenkins as saying.

Commissioners told Jenkins they should be included in decisions he makes regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Fox 4 News notes that several commissioners pushed back on Jenkins’ insistence that he make decisions without consulting them.

“I’m getting my butt kicked on decisions you make on the fly. I don’t get any input. I get no input at all. I hear about it from other individuals that you made a decision,” said commissioner John Wiley Price.

Commissioners decided not to extend the stay-at-home order past April 30 without a majority vote unless preempted by state or federal orders.

Jenkins agreed to give the board a two-hour notice so it has a chance to convene before he adds new restrictions on essential businesses.

“At the onset of this, the judge had to move quickly and decisively to get the pieces in place to keep the public safe,” said Commissioner J.J. Koch. “But we’re in a different phase now. Essentially, we can be more collaborative. We can work together. It’s better to have five minds looking at something instead of one.”

Jenkins was elected Dallas County Judge in 2010.