Thread: TN: Sullivan targets hiring of illegal immigrants

Sullivan targets hiring of illegal immigrants
Published 08/22/2007 By J.H. Osborne


BLOUNTVILLE — There’s a proposal before Sullivan County commissioners “to require local companies receiving county tax incentives or funds to employ only U.S. citizens or legally documented immigrants.â€

Plan that would prohibit hiring illegal immigrants delayed

Tuesday, Oct 02, 2007 - 12:00 AM

By Mac McLean

A Sullivan County commissioner needs more time to work out the details of a proposed resolution that would clamp down on local businesses that hire illegal immigrants.
Commissioner Moe Brotherton of Kingsport sponsored the measure, which would require any business contracted by the county to hire only U.S. citizens or legally documented immigrants. According to the resolution, it is not fair for local tax-paying citizens to help fund businesses that do not primarily employ local workers.
It was scheduled to go before the county’s Administrative Committee Monday night, but was deferred at Brotherton’s request.
According to the county’s purchasing department, 142 businesses hold active contracts with county departments for services ranging from copier maintenance to medical waste disposal. Another 54 companies have contracts with the county government for commodities such as uniforms and office supplies.
Brotherton’s proposal would also require companies operating out of county-funded industrial parks to primarily employ area residents.
Jack Lawson, director of economic development with NETWORKS Sullivan County Partnership, said this provision could apply to 29 businesses operating out of the Tri-County Industrial Park, of which Sullivan County maintains a 62.5 percent ownership. Lawson said he believes most of these businesses already meet the criteria.
Brotherton introduced his plan at the County Commission’s August meeting, but neither the county’s Administrative nor Executive committees have taken any action. The county’s Budget Committee approved the measure on Sept. 6.
Commissioner Michael Surgenor of Kingsport, chairman of the Administrative Committee, said Brotherton asked him to defer the proposal so he could iron out details. Brotherton could not be reached for comment Monday night.
The Administrative Committee also deferred a plan sponsored by Commissioner Joe Herron of Kingsport that would move the county clerk’s satellite facility in Kingsport from City Hall to an old beauty school at the corner of Carter and Jessee streets.
“It needs to go to the Building Committee and let them take a look at it,â€