The leaders of the biggest counties in Texas say the pandemic has brought more attention to the work of local government, and they need more freedom to keep people safe.
Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley is a republican, but he says Texas is too big for a state-wide order banning mask requirements. Whitley says Governor Greg Abbott has taken the local government's ability to act on masks or crowds.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo says she now has a security detail outside her home she didn't need when she took office in 2019.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins says he's made decisions based on input from teaching hospitals in North Texas, not politics, saying the governor's scientific advisors have said they disagree with him.
The judges were speaking at the Texas Tribune Festival, which is taking place virtually because of the pandemic.
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