Vaccine mandates have made headlines as cities and municipalities strive to combat the recent spike in COVID-19 cases. In recent news, as reported by WITN, City of Kinston Mayor Dontario Hardy gave his thoughts on if he would consider a vaccine mandate if COVID-19 cases continued rising. The other candidates running for Hardy’s seat have weighed in on mandates.

“I could see that happening,” Hardy said to WITN. “When you start talking about putting safety measures in a pandemic, I as the mayor of the City of Kinston can implement restrictions.”

There are three others running for Mayor in the City of Kinston. Candidate Zac Holcomb disagreed with Hardy.

“I do not believe in mandating a vaccine, and even if you have the authority to implement certain restrictions as mayor, you also have the responsibility to use careful discretion when that authority has the potential to infringe on the individual’s right to choose,” said Holcomb.

Mayor Pro Tem and Mayoral candidate Felicia Solomon also asked about the validity of a vaccine mandate.

“Local governments having the legal authority to mandate a vaccine is questionable,” said Solomon. “I do not believe they should have that right. I believe wearing masks has been effective in reducing the spread. Therefore, I support reasonable mask mandates for health purposes.”

Many local and state employees are requiring their employees to either be vaccinated or tested weekly.

“I made the personal decision to be vaccinated,” said Solomon. “I encourage everyone to speak to their doctor about this issue. I believe the results show it to be very helpful.”

The economy was a factor for one of the candidates in whether or not they support vaccine mandates. Mayoral candidate Jeffery Warren supports the ability of the city to incorporate a vaccine mandate and urged everyone to get the vaccine. He supports what the governor recommends.

“Your life matters to me, and should for you and your family and friends,” said Warren. “Please take heed to the calling to move forward in getting vaccinated today as this pandemic is not over.”

While all the candidates share concern over the rise in COVID-19 cases, their leadership styles differ over how to address it.

“While I certainly share a concern for the citizens of Kinston and Lenoir County as cases of Covid-19 are on the rise, this is another crucial example of how I am a different leader than current Mayor Dontario Hardy,” said Holcomb.

With the election still a few months away, the pandemic will continue to be at the forefront of all discussions.

“It is important for us to balance caring for those who can’t be vaccinated with personal responsibility,” said Solomon.