(Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional information).
The Madison County Board of Health voted 20-7 in favor of a resolution denouncing COVID-19 vaccine and testing mandates
Wednesday’s meeting was held as demonstrators both for and against the resolution stood outside of the Madison County Administration Building in frigid temperatures.
Board members Doc Holliday (D-Alton), Bill Stoutenborough (D-Alton), Bruce Malone (D-Alton), Matt King (D-East Alton), Jack Minner (D-Edwardsville), Gussie Glasper (D-Madison) and Liz Dalton (D-Collinsville) all voted against the resolution.
Board member Nick Petrillo (D-Granite City) was absent. The remaining board members, consisting of 17 Republicans and three Democrats, all voted in favor of the resolution.
The resolution denouncing vaccine mandates, overly aggressive testing, terminations, and exclusions was introduced by Mick Madison (R-Bethalto). It was previously passed 5-1 during the Madison County Health Department Committee Meeting on Jan. 7.
Madison explained that the resolution is not about vaccines but is about liberty.
During the meeting, Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine explained that as he understands it, the resolution is non-binding and reflects the "mind of the county," acting as a "moral authority." He said that while it does not change current policy, it could be used to influence future decisions by the County Board.
Madison County Democratic Party Chair Randy Harris criticized the resolution, calling it a waste of taxpayer dollars.
“Another month, another nonsense resolution with no merit or weight from Prenzler and his republicans,” he stated.
After they heard three public comments opposing the measure and three in support of it, board members engaged in a discussion on the resolution, which became heated at times.
Board members supporting the resolution stressed that they do not oppose the COVID-19 vaccine, most clarifying that they are vaccinated. However, they said they do not support forced vaccinations.
Board member Aaron Messner (R-Granite City) said the resolution addresses a civil rights issue.
“You give the government power, they never give it back,” he said. “Once you lose a freedom, you don’t get it back.”
Board member Mike Walters (R-Godfrey) supported the resolution, saying it is something they need to do. He explained that people are only threatened with termination if they do not receive the vaccine, but not vice versa.
“If you want to get the vaccine, good. I’m all for it. If you have a problem with someone getting the vaccine, then you’re the problem,” he said. “If someone doesn’t want to get the vaccine, good. I’m happy for you. If you are against people not getting the vaccine, you’re the problem.”
Board member Chris Hankins (D-Pontoon Beach) said he voted in favor of the resolution because he has heard from constituents who support it and constituents who oppose it. And the resolution doesn’t harm those who choose to receive the vaccine.
“I have to represent all of them,” he said.
Board member Jamie Goggin (R-Edwardsville) said he supports the vaccine, but is concerned by the trend in government overreach.
“What I’m against is government overreach,” he said.
Board member Mike Babcock (R-Bethalto) said he supports the resolution because he does not want to see any county employees under threat of termination based on vaccination status.
Minner criticized the resolution, saying the County Board was using a health meeting to disregard guidelines intended to keep employees and citizens safe.
Dalton said that the time they are spending on the resolution “is to no avail,” because it has no legal authority.
“I know the resolution will pass tonight, but I want you to know that it’s not worth the paper it’s written on,” she said.
She added that she respects those who are both for and against vaccine mandates, calling it “their prerogative.”
Stoutenborough said he opposed the resolution because hospitals are overloaded. He said they unable to take care of other healthcare needs as they are overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients.
“For God’s sake, take care of someone else to stop this spread,” he said.
Madison responded to the criticisms saying that the issues raised by those in opposition to the resolution are already occurring and were not caused by the Madison County Board. He explained that denouncing mandated vaccines is not going to cause the hospitals to become overwhelmed. They are already overwhelmed.
“This isn’t about vaccines at all,” he said.
“It’s about government bodies forcing them to do things against their will,” he added. “People, be as responsible as you feel you need to be. You’re free Americans. We believe you are smart enough to make these decisions for yourself.”
Holliday asked Haine if there could be repercussions if a state vaccination mandate was handed down and Madison County didn’t comply.
Haine responded that if that were to happen, Madison County could be subject to possible repercussions if it chose not to comply, but there could also be no repercussions. He reminded everyone that this resolution does not change Madison County ordinances and is “just telling you where the mind of Madison County is.”
The resolution in its entirety states:
“Whereas, as the Board of Health of Madison County we have a role in providing local guidance in regard to the public health crisis of COVID-19; and
“Whereas, the Madison County Board and the Board of Health understand that as free Americans we have certain unalienable rights, given to us not by government but by God, and that our Founder’s gave us the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights in support of that idea, which is the law of the land; and
“Whereas, certain legal mandates and/or employer requirements have been directed at some residents of Madison County forcing them to choose between receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or undergo frequent testing under threat of being terminated from their employment; and
“Whereas, the Board of Health continues to support personal choice with regard to COVID-19 mitigation efforts, including recognizing an individual’s religious beliefs and medical history, such as naturally occurring antibodies which many argue are more effective than vaccinations; and
“Whereasthe Board of Health believes in the innate common sense and reasonableness of Madison County employees, students, and families and respects their desire to decide for themselves whether to receive a vaccination or undergo testing without threat to their livelihoods or education; and
“Whereas, many residents, employees and families have contacted members of the County Board and the Board of Health demanding that we protect their rights on this important issue.
“Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Health of Madison County, Illinois:
“1. The Board of Health discourages all employers and school districts within Madison County from imposing a vaccine mandate upon employees and students, from using testing as a means to coerce vaccination or as punishment for not vaccinating, publicly asking for people’s vaccination status, and due to crossover frequency, should not test based solely on vaccination status.
“2. All employers and school districts in Madison County should respect and protect the individual rights of employees, students, and families.
“3. The County Board, sitting as the Board of Health, hereby affirms to its own employees that it will neither impose a vaccine mandate nor require testing of its employees and will defend and protect the rights of its employees if such mandates are imposed upon Madison County by other units of government.”