Carroll County adopts resolution proponents say protects individual rights by allowing residents to disregard COVID-19 mandates by governor

Debbie Lowe, Staff Writer, Carroll County Comet

Wednesday, January 6, 2021 10:50 AM

YouTube video

The recorded video of this meeting can be found on YouTube on the “Debbie Lowe” channel.

Carroll County Commissioners Bill Brown, Loren Hylton and Steve Pearson decided to re-affirm the county’s civil rights and individuals’ rights during the pandemic at their Monday morning meeting. They adopted Resolution 2021-01, as provided by attorney Ted Johnson by request from Hylton, which states, in general, residents of Carroll County are not obligated to comply with mandates from Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s Office about restrictive behavior attributed to the pandemic. Johnson said the resolution supports the rights of individuals and businesses.

“Be mindful what can happen in a free society,” Hylton stated.

Johnson advised other counties are developing similar resolutions because they believe Gov. Holcomb has gone too far to restrict citizens’ rights. He said the Carroll County resolution is modeled after one in Kosciusko County. He said some counties are realizing the logic of pandemic restrictions are falling apart.

In short, Commissioners agreed that residents do not have to wear masks in meetings or in the courthouse. There will be no enforcement of the mandate to wear masks and no business will be forced to enforce the mandate. Hylton said businesses could post signs stating that masks are required but they do not have to enforce the sign. Brown said he believes the governor has exceeded his powers.

The Commissioners formally resolved, as stated in part in the resolution, to defend at all times the rights and liberties of the people as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and the State of Indiana and they declared Carroll County to be a “Constitutional Rights Sanctuary County.” They plan to pass an ordinance in conformity with the resolution and they encouraged and requested that all agencies, departments and officers of the county continue to uphold their oaths of office, review and change if necessary their rules, regulations, orders and policies for conformity to the Constitution of the State of Indiana and to adopt resolutions, proclamations or commitments similar to the resolution for the protection of the people of Carroll County and their rights under the two Constitutions.

A copy of the full resolution can be obtained from the County Auditor’s Office via email at auditor@carrollcountyin.gov.

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