Sentinel staff report–
Following discussion and last-minute wording changes on Thursday, the Citrus City Council voted 4-1 to support a resolution officially “expressing support for citizens’ individual rights and choice as it relates to the COVID-19 vaccine.”
The resolution came after Councilman Bret Daniels earlier this month introduced a proposal to ban vaccine passports in the city, prohibit vaccine mandates for city employees, and oppose mask and vaccination mandates in schools. Daniels expressed concern that the final version of the resolution was “diluted,” however.
A section addressing schools originally had language encouraging families to “voice their opposition” to vaccine and mask mandates, but was re-worded during discussion Thursday night to instead encourage parents to “voice their position.” Mayor Steve Miller had objected to the original wording, saying it did not favor “choice” to tell families what position they needed to take.
Wording was also added encouraging families to consult with their doctor in making an informed decision about vaccination. The original wording had said: “The City Council encourages people to make an informed decision, assess risk and make the best decision for themselves and their families including the right to determine if they should receive the COVID-19 vaccine.”
The most direct wording related to mandates is in section three of the resolution: “The City Council supports all employers, including private sector, education, public agencies, including the City of Citrus Heights, to allow employees the choice as to whether or not to be vaccinated.”
The resolution also says, “People have the right to refuse vaccination based on religious, medical, or personal reasons, and every medical intervention requires informed consent and the right of refusal, including the COVID-19 vaccine.”
After initial opposition from Mayor Steve Miller and Vice Mayor Porsche Middleton, minor wording changes were made and a motion to adopt the revised resolution was passed with support from Middleton, along with Daniels and council members Jeannie Bruins and Tim Schaefer.
Miller, the only “no” vote, said Citrus Heights is not considering a vaccine mandate and called the resolution “a waste of time.” While supporting the “personal choice to vaccinate, wear a mask, or not,” the mayor said “your freedom to do as you please stops where my freedom starts.”
Councilman Schaefer, in comments just prior to the vote, said he is personally in support of the vaccine and received his second vaccine shot in March, but said he supported the resolution because “I also believe in liberty.”
“[I]f I believe in the vaccine and I believe in the science, then I am protected. I am not concerned about being around someone who’s unvaccinated or doesn’t even wear a mask,” Schaefer said. “I think this really speaks to our own liberty in this country, and when we start issuing mandates that we have to do these sorts of things I think that really infringes on our own right to pursue happiness.”
One speaker submitted a written comment opposing vaccine mandates. No other comments from the public were made during the meeting, but, in recent letters to the editor Sentinel readers have argued both against and in favor of vaccine mandates.
