Immigrant crackdown back on hold
Vote again delayed in Carpentersville
By Ray Quintanilla
Tribune staff reporter

June 20, 2007

Carpentersville Village President Bill Sarto failed again Tuesday night to get trustees to vote on a crackdown on illegal immigration in his effort to end nearly seven months of debate that he says has given the suburb "a black eye."

Trustee Linda Ramirez moved for passage of the proposed ordinance but failed to get a second.

Also on the agenda was an ordinance that would make English the official language in all business with the village. Trustees were debating the issue late Tuesday.

It was the second consecutive Village Board meeting at which Sarto, who opposes the immigration measure, has tried to bring it to a vote. He pledged to keep raising the issue until trustees reach a decision.

Illegal immigration has been a hot topic in Carpentersville since last fall when two trustees introduced a measure designed to fine landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and deny licenses to businesses that employ them. The proposal is modeled after a measure in Hazleton, Pa., which is now before the courts.

To avoid costly litigation, Trustee Judy Sigwalt, one of four trustees backing the crackdown on illegal immigration, has asked the board to table the measure until the Hazleton case is settled. Carpentersville could then map a course on whether to proceed with its own measure, Sigwalt and others have said.

Sarto has called the proposed crackdown misguided and wants the six-member board to either approve or reject the measure so the village can move on to other issues. If adopted, the measure would likely end up in the courts, Sarto said.

Sarto has called the measure "unworkable" and said continued debate is only hurting the local business climate.

rquintanilla@tribune.com

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