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s <br />Paul L. Westcott, Esq. <br />1570 56th Square East <br />Vero Beach, FL 32966 <br />October 5, 2021 <br />Indian River County Board of County Commissioners <br />180127th Street <br />Vero Beach, FL 32967 <br />Dear County Commissioners, <br />I want to start by thanking you for your public service during these trying times. We have all <br />been challenged and, unfortunately, the challenges seem to keep coming. <br />As you are aware, the Biden Administration is in the process of developing a Vaccination <br />Mandate. Included in President Biden's announcement is the likely requirement that larger <br />employers force their employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of continued <br />employment. For employers who refuse to comply there is a $14,000 fine/penalty for each <br />employee not forced to get vaccinated. <br />I appreciate your reluctance to move in the direction of vaccine mandates. This letter is <br />intended to affirm your policy. In the coming months we are likely to experience increased <br />pressure for mandates. <br />The financial threat by the Biden Administration might make the decision appear easy or simple. <br />I want to give you a few things to consider as the formal implementation of the mandate <br />approaches. Obviously, there are several U.S. Constitution issues concerning individual rights, <br />states rights as well as the President's capability to unilaterally do what he intends. The <br />concerns I raise are likely more subtle. <br />In addition to the intrusiveness of forcing an employer to invade the personal medical decisions <br />of its employees, there are legal and risk management considerations that cannot be ignored. <br />Keep in mind your employees are fellow members of your community. They are your friends <br />and neighbors. They are your constituents and deserve your protection and full consideration. <br />Florida's Constitution at Article I, Section 23 provides a significant right to privacy: <br />"Every natural person has the right to be left alone and free from governmental <br />intrusion into the person's private life except as otherwise provided herein..." <br />