St. Charles City Council rejects vaccine mandate
Chicago and Cook County have implemented vaccine mandates, requiring proof of vaccination to enter gyms, restaurants and other venues. St. Charles, which is in Kane and DuPage counties, does not fall under the purview of these mandates, but has pre-emptively opposed such a rule.
The city council in suburban St. Charles refused to consider a proof of vaccination mandate similar to Chicago and Cook County.
Although it wasn’t a formal vote, all nine aldermen opposed the idea of requiring proof of vaccination to enter certain spaces in St. Charles.
City Administrator Heather McGuire told the council her office received two messages in favor of the measure, and more than 200 in opposition.
On top of messages, dozens of residents formed a rally in front of the municipal building in protest of vaccine passports.
“The topic was put on tonight’s agenda to officially document our position in the public record and remove any doubt about where we stand, especially in light of recent decisions by other government agencies,” said St. Charles Mayor Lora Vitek.
Third ward Ald. Todd Bancroft noted the council isn’t against the vaccine itself, but rather forcing residents to disclose their vaccination status.
One resident asked what would happen if Kane County implemented a mandate like Chicago’s.
“I don’t think we need to discuss it until we know what Kane County does,” said 1st Ward Ald. Ron Silkatis.
In Cook County, where the vaccine mandate has been in effect since Jan. 3, some elected officials have decided not to enforce the county’s mandate. These areas include Orland Park, Burr Ridge, Park Ridge, Niles, Morton Grove, and Lincolnwood.