MANATEE COUNTY – The Manatee County Commission is scheduled Thursday morning to discuss its options in the event that a federal shutdown of the economy is ordered in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The special commission meeting is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. after the conclusion of the 9 a.m. Port Authority meeting.
Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, a Republican, requested the county attorney’s insight on the issue during Tuesday’s commission work session.
“It looks as if Joe Biden is likely to be our next president, and a lot of people that are likely to be in his administration are voicing the need for a federal shutdown of our economy. We went through that once already. When I was running for office, by far the number one issue was keeping the economy open,” Van Ostenbridge said.
To county staff, Van Ostenbridge said, “Could you put together a workshop or some kind of presentation for us so we as a county commission know what our options would be to defend and protect our local economy, our local businesses and our employees? What are our constitutional rights? What are the constitutional rights of our constituents and our business owners to keep our economy going?”
In response, Chief Assistant County Attorney Bill Clague said, “We can look into that if that is the prerogative of the board. There is a commerce clause in the Constitution that has been used by the federal government.”
“Freedom of religion comes into play as well,” Van Ostenbridge said.
“I do understand the First Amendment issues,” Clague said.
Open to the public and public input, the special commission meeting will take place at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Boulevard in Palmetto. Attendees must adhere to CDC social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings.
The special meeting will be livestreamed at the county website and on TV on Spectrum channel 644, Verizon channel 30 and Comcast channel 20.
The public can participate by phone and offer comments by dialing 1-888-788-0099 or 1-312-626-6799 and then entering the meeting ID, 822 2829 2685, followed by the # sign.
