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Day-labor report offers little

Eugene Mulero
The Arizona Republic
Oct. 27, 2006 12:00 AM


After more than a year looking at ways to minimize day laborers' presence along Arizona Avenue sidewalks, Chandler's Human Relations Commission has come up with recommendations that offer few, if any, new ideas.

Highlights of the commission's report, which was scheduled to be presented to the City Council on Thursday night:


• Form a "working group" consisting of merchants and residents and charge them with finding ways to boost use of the privately funded day-labor center.


• Provide the Rev. Jose Gonzalez, day-labor center coordinator, with volunteers who would help staff the center.


• Increase the $25 fine that was imposed last year for contractors stopping on Arizona Avenue in the area immediately south of downtown.

However, the commission already has been serving as a type of "working group" looking at the issue. But commission chairwoman Ana Maria Regalado said involving more of the area's stakeholders would increase the potential for day laborers to use the center.

The commission also recommends starting an internship program consisting of college students interested in social work. The presence of these unpaid volunteers could improve the day-labor center's operations, currently overseen by Gonzalez, according to the report.

That would mean interns would be based at the day-labor center, which is operated by the Light and Life Free Methodist Church.

However, the city has no official ties to the center, and it's unclear how any such program could be implemented. A state law passed last year prohibits public funding of labor centers that cater to undocumented immigrants.

Additionally, day laborers interviewed in previous months have repeatedly said they believe their chances to find work for the day are better if they wait along Arizona Avenue. The day-labor center site is off the main street and away from traffic.

In regard to fines, the commission did not specify how much to increase them, just that they be higher than the current $25 tickets.

What the commission's report does not recommend is special police enforcement of the no-stopping rule on Arizona Avenue, which was tried during a three-month period last fall.

Commissioner Joel Munter said a higher fine is needed because the increased police presence along South Arizona Avenue last year did little to deter contractors and other employers from picking up day laborers.

The day-labor issue has been sensitive in the city since 1997, when an ill-fated joint "roundup" operation conducted by city police and federal agents arrested suspected undocumented immigrants. Many legal residents also were detained, and the city paid out $575,000 in legal settlements.

Becky Jackson, president and CEO of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, said day-labor throngs affect commerce, and their numbers are growing in the downtown area. However, she said she's optimistic the commission's latest suggestions will help get the men off the streets.

Against the backdrop of the commission's report, Chandler is considering a $60 million improvement plan along South Arizona Avenue to upgrade roads, sidewalks and landscaping, make aesthetic renovations and bring more new housing downtown. Funding would come from the sale of general obligation bonds.

For more than a year, the commission has been charged by the City Council with addressing issues related to day laborers, including hosting a session last summer that brought in immigration experts to speak on the issue.