Friday, July 20, 2007
Sycamore Twp. takes stand on illegal immigrants
BY ROB DOWDY | RDOWDY@COMMUNITYPRESS.COM

SYCAMORE TWP. - While Congress works on a federal immigration policy, Sycamore Township has its in place.

Township trustees voted June 21 to include a clause in all its contracts with outside employers that if a contractor uses illegal immigrants on a township project that contractor is subject to a $5,000 fine or 10 percent of the total value of the contract, whichever is more costly.

"If it comes to light, we'll be able to void a contract," said Trustee President Dick Kent.

Trustee Tom Weidman said he proposed the idea after speaking with residents about their concerns.

The top two things on their minds were the war in Iraq and immigration.

While it is primarily a federal issue, Weidman said the township can enforce "no-hire" policies like the one approved by trustees June 21.

Kent said the resolution is more of a way to tell contractors to "do their homework" and less about the township collecting the fines.

However, Weidman said identification checks at work sites is a possibility and he expects "somebody will get caught."

Eventually, Weidman said he expects companies dealing with Sycamore to fall in line and that other communities may take similar steps in the future.

In the time since trustees approved the measure, Kent said he hasn't heard much from residents, though Weidman said he's received nothing but positive feedback.

"I can't tell you how many people told me, 'Great job,'" he said.

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