Resolution Against Businesses Using Illegal Immigrants Tabled

Last updated Tuesday, April 10, 2007 10:20 PM CDT in News

By Scarlet Sims
The Morning News

    BENTONVILLE -- A resolution to prevent taxpayers' money from funding businesses hiring illegal immigrants was tabled during the Benton County Quorum Court Committee of 13 meeting Tuesday.

    Justice of the Peace Burton Schindler proposed a two-paragraph resolution requiring any business providing goods or services to the county sign an affidavit stating they employ no illegal immigrants.

    "We're not asking for a great deal of detail," Schindler explained, noting the resolution would be a public expression that no tax dollars fund an illegal operation.

    The proposal is meant to set an example for other city and county governments and school boards, he said. Reducing the number of businesses hiring illegal immigrants might reduce the number moving to Northwest Arkansas, according to handouts Schindler distributed.

    Justice of the Peace Frank Winscott seconded Schindler's motion for a resolution, but other justices of the peace seemed unconvinced.

    "I, for one, am not ready to vote on this tonight," said Justice of the Peace Debbie Hobbs.

    Court members questioned if the affidavit were retroactive or included businesses currently under contract; how the affidavit would be handled; its legal language; and if the county would see a backlash with illegal immigrants boycotting area businesses.

    Justice of the Peace David Hill said the Quorum Court was not qualified to deal with immigration issues.

    "Something has to be done at the federal level to give us impetus," he said.

    After hearing multiple questions, Justice of the Peace Robert Stephenson moved to table until next month and Hill seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Justices Tim Summers and Kurt Moore absent.

    Schindler said he wasn't disappointed in the committee's decision.

    "I never expect these things to go quickly," he said.

    He said he understood the justices needed time to consult their constituents and do their own research. The resolution will pass eventually, Schindler said.

    MEETING INFORMATION

    Benton County Quorum Court

    Who: Benton County Quorum Court Committee of 13

    What: Consider a resolution requiring businesses providing services to the county to sign an affidavit stating no illegal immigrants are employed.

    When: 5 p.m. May 8

    Where: Benton County Administration Building, Bentonville

    Reader Comments (41 comment(s))


    The following comments are provided by readers and are the sole responsibility of their authors. The Morning News does not review comments before their publication, nor do we guarantee their accuracy. By publishing a comment here you agree to abide by our comment policy. If you see a comment that violates our policy, please notify the web editor.

    Tax Payer wrote on Apr 11, 2007 2:56 AM:

    " So one of their reasons for tabling the resolution is..... " If the county would see a backlash with illegals immigrants boycotting area businesses." Has the Quorum Court Committee even considered what the impact would be on area businesses if the Leagal Citizens of The United States decided to BOYCOTT. It's amazing what a few people with signs in front of each illegal place of business can do. "

    Legal Citizen wrote on Apr 11, 2007 3:17 AM:

    " They are worried about backlash from illegal citizens?????? They need to be more worried about backlash from the legal citizens when they get fed up with all the philandering and political correctness. Each day more and more of those "constituents" are getting fed up with crud. I have to agree with Tax Payer.......You people seem to searching for the "perfect" law and in truth there is no such thing, and there should be no balance either than you are here legaly or you are not, and if you are here illegally go home and either stay there or come back through the proper legal channels and become an American Citizen like all those that came through Ellis Island in the early 20th................If you are a Business and you are knowingly hiring illegal immigrants, you are breaking the law, and are not deserving of a business license anyway, shame on you! "

    TYPICAL LIBERAL THINKING wrote on Apr 11, 2007 4:28 AM:

    " If the county would see a backlash with illegals immigrants boycotting area businesses." Yeah they need to worry about American Citizens boycotting. I`ll say this once again we did not need illegals services 20 years ago so what makes them think we need them now. Talk about propaganda, can I puke somewhere ? "

    Hungry Man wrote on Apr 11, 2007 4:31 AM:

    " At least the restuarant businesses won't have to worry about an illegal's boycott. I have eaten in restuarants twice a week for many years and I have never observed ANY hispanics eating at ANY establishments (and I try to cater different ones each time). Do your own survey and see if I'm not right. But I sure do see ALOT of 'other' people filling up the places...It sure would hurt if they weren't patronizing the businesses thou..... Hmmmmmmmmmm??????????? "

    Brazos wrote on Apr 11, 2007 7:27 AM:

    " Burt is doing a great job. The others will be watched as to how they vote or how the try and stall. This is a none enforceable resolution but it is a statement. Any member that will not stand up and at least make a statement for those that put them in office will not return to the court. I am very upset too with the statement about the county being boycotted by illigals. You have got to be kidding us? "

    Are you suprised? wrote on Apr 11, 2007 8:05 AM:

    " This is typical government. We put these people in our trust to take a stand on issues that are concerning us, just to find out they have no backbone or willingness to stand up for any issue. Can you repeat after me? I like to ride the fence! "

    Corrupt business environment wrote on Apr 11, 2007 8:36 AM:

    " The Business environment is totally corrupt. They are responsible for all of the influx of illegal Mexicans. "

    BCR wrote on Apr 11, 2007 8:41 AM:

    " A bunch of old-fogies that can't see the forest for the trees that are falling on them. Typical local government, let's wait until someone else does something first. "

    American Citizen wrote on Apr 11, 2007 9:36 AM:

    " Just more pandering to the illegal aliens. They had better think about what will happen if legal citizen should boycott their businesses.Citizens of this country had better quite being complacent about illegals in this country,and let the elected officals know they work for us not the illegal aliens. "

    To BCR wrote on Apr 11, 2007 9:41 AM:

    " I agree with you wholeheartedly, but it's not just local government. It goes from the smallest City Council to Congress and the White House. Only a handful of politicians have any guts because of "political correctness." "

    Spdl wrote on Apr 11, 2007 10:13 AM:

    " I guess they are worried all of the illegals will move to Springdale or Rogers.... Bentonville is one of the few towns in NW Arkansas that has a void of illegals you guys need to try to keep it that way by whatever means possible. "

    Fast Eddie wrote on Apr 11, 2007 10:16 AM:

    " Of course this measure is uninforcable, but as stated, is meant to set an example for other communities. So what is the example now Justice Hill? That your so afraid that you might be subject to a picket line? Jeez, that would be great, then INS can round them all up in one swoop!!! They DON'T HAVE RIGHTS Mr. Hill! There IllegalS!!!!!!!!! Or is does the council feel some heat from local businesses, making huge profits from the illegals on county contracts? The tax paying citizens are oupid council move away from protesting publically thier outrage at the mass illegal problem in this area. Stand up for your voting base councilmen, and do the right thing!!!!!! "

    2:bentonville res wrote on Apr 11, 2007 11:57 AM:

    " why do u you even care how many babies they have???they can have as many as they want because their the one supporting their family not you. "

    Huh? wrote on Apr 11, 2007 12:05 PM:

    " You are concerned with illegal immigrants boycotting, but not American citizens? Get your head on straight! If this resolution does not pass, I will stop shopping in the city. And I wouls encourage others to do so, as well. How about being concerned with your legal citizens first? "

    Hey wrote on Apr 11, 2007 12:25 PM:

    " As long as THEY are supporting them and my tax $$ are not (food stamps, wic, ar kids, free med at the er) good for them! It is possible. I recently had an hispanic couple move a few houses down from me. No kids, no inlaws, cousins or anyone else living with them. Their house cost almost $100,000.00 more than mine. They have it because the are educated and work all the time. So this is not about being hispanic or asian or caucasion. It is about ILLEGAL ALIENS taking OUR tax $$ to benifit themselves and their anchor babies. It is not about hate or being racist. I am almost positive that regardless of who you are if you are paying taxes, you do not want to support someone who is not. "

    Erik wrote on Apr 11, 2007 1:32 PM:

    " Sigghhhh, same old song and dance. I say we boycott all Bentonville businesses that will change their Democratic minds. "

    Erik wrote on Apr 11, 2007 1:42 PM:

    " Stand up, let's take them on, it is either that or they destroy our society and heritage. "

    Legal for 50+ years wrote on Apr 11, 2007 2:31 PM:

    " Take a look at this video. As far as it's accuracy, you are on your own. Interesting though.......... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7WJeqxuOfQ "

    JESSICA wrote on Apr 11, 2007 2:42 PM:

    " Hey I finally agree!! no more CAPS letters.. Anyway, since I am a good christian girl, I don't want to see those NAZI resolutions and laws around, because a piece of paper (green card?) can not make a person different..God created us equal. "

    How about a rally wrote on Apr 11, 2007 5:01 PM:

    " to protest. I mean, we might as well start standing up for ourselves because no one else is going to listen and until we start saying whats on our minds as a unified voice. "

    Name the time wrote on Apr 11, 2007 5:35 PM:

    " I will be there, with family and friends. "

    American Citizen wrote on Apr 11, 2007 5:57 PM:

    " OK now just what did you object to in my last post to delete it???? "

    Yes, Jessica wrote on Apr 11, 2007 6:04 PM:

    " God did create us all equal, that means all the people who are not contributing to this society should go home. That means paying car insurance, taxes, hospital bills, rent, utilities etc...just like the rest of us pay. If the illegal aliens just want to take all they can get and abuse our country, then they are going to have problems with citizens like me, who are not going to put up with them anymore. We are tired of paying for their anchor babies born on Medicaid, and their abuse of all of our social services that they do not pay into, and do not deserve to benefit from. I think things are going to get very tough on Illegals around here, the citizens are tired of it and are not going to buy from people who hire them anymore. So you can start packing. "

    They are worried wrote on Apr 11, 2007 6:10 PM:

    " about illegals boycotting? I think they should worry about the middle class around here boycotting. We buy most of the products, from produce to appliances and all the rest. Step up people, while we can still win our communities back. No more buying from companies that hire illegals. Buy USA made products. They will go home if there are no jobs. "

    Rally wrote on Apr 11, 2007 9:07 PM:

    " I read where the Illegals are planning another protest boycott for Tuesday May 1st (www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18040460). Maybe we should orginize a Protest Rally AND Boycott of our own. The following Saturday May 5th might be a good day since nothing of any importance happens on that day anyway. "

    American Citizen wrote on Apr 11, 2007 9:35 PM:

    " To Rally: Yes we should have a counter rally,but getting people off their butts to do anything is the problem.I hear people everyday complaining about the illegals here,but just ask them to sign a petition,send an email to congress,or get involved in a rally and they can't be bothered. You just watch though who's screaming the loudest if the amnesty passes. "

    Bill wrote on Apr 12, 2007 6:45 AM:

    " I send emails. I sign petitions. I send emails to congress all the time. I contribute to Tancredo For President. The problem is these demonstrations are being held in Los Angeles -- about 400 miles South of here. I can't just tell my boss "I'm going to L.A. to counter demonstrate against illegals. I'll need a few days off." It doesn't happen that way. These illegals know it. They can take whatever time off they want. Most of us can't. The only thing I -- and like-minded people can do is hit the politicians at the ballot box. Anything remotely resembling amnesty, and they get voted out. Guest Workers? We've got too many now who overstay their Visa's. "

    WebAdmin wrote on Apr 12, 2007 11:16 AM:

    " To "American Citizen": Feel free to contact nwaonline@gmail.com to answer your question. "

    Jerry Hawkins wrote on Apr 14, 2007 9:42 AM:

    " Indeed it is time for a populast movement to get our so-called leaders out of office and back to their businesses that they so cherish that they refuse the citizens their due on illegal immigration. Let us boycott and march in the streets to show that we the people want a plebisite(mandate of the masses) to be ratified as law on the subject of illegal immigration and defense of our borders, in fact our whole nation. We want action and we want enforcement of the laws that the rich and greedy are profiting from at our own exspense. We also need to petition in mass to our represenatives(name in formality only), [the real title should be elected sellouts and vagabonds], that we have given them another vote of no confidence in their mangement and execution of the society we see fit. "

    BRAVO!!! wrote on Apr 14, 2007 3:45 PM:

    " Dont get your hopes up, dont you see that we would loose money...i vote "NO" if you cant beat them join them. "

    I agree wrote on Apr 16, 2007 3:40 PM:

    " No amnesty, send them loosers back home i could give ICE a long list of names and addresses for them to pick up. Yes they are going to have another rally May 1st "

    Deacon wrote on Apr 16, 2007 4:50 PM:

    " HEY BRAVO........If you want to see how much money we are losing go to..... www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html..... These figures are several years old but it will give you some idea. "

    Now they wrote on Apr 16, 2007 5:35 PM:

    " are producing meth south of the border and sending it up here. We already have enough meth problems without their help. When is our government going to wake up? When it is their kids hooked on meth? This is by far the worst drug I have ever come across. It changes the brain of the people using it. It can take perfectly normal people and turn them into violent lunatics. "

    Bill wrote on Apr 17, 2007 4:12 PM:

    " What is needed is tougher border enforcement. From California to Maine, we are under seige. We've had enough.. "

    Bill wrote on Apr 17, 2007 9:29 PM:

    " I just read on the web that the driver of an SUV that rolled over and killed 8, was fondling a female passenger at the time of the wreck. And the Government wants to allow more in with amnesty? Whats up with that. "

    I read last week wrote on Apr 17, 2007 9:53 PM:

    " that blasts from two grenades injured a tourist and a police officer in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. The state of Guerrero, which includes Zihuatanejo and Acapulco, has suffered from a wave of violence including decapitations, shootings and grenade explosions that authorities contribute to warring, drug trafficking gangs. Coming soon to a neighborhood near you!! "

    Yesterday, wrote on Apr 17, 2007 10:08 PM:

    " In Bogota, Columbia police detained 101 Chinese Nationals in separate raids on two rural homes, thwarting efforts by a human trafficking ring to smuggle them into the United States. Police found the Chinese being held like prisoners in overcrowded conditions. This is slave labor. We have to close our borders. We cannot continue to take in the whole world. This kind of thing will stop if they cannot get in! They need to find out who was going to buy these people in the United States and send them to prison for life. "

    no more handouts wrote on Apr 17, 2007 11:23 PM:

    " We don't need more or tougher border patrol, we need to take away the reasons they come here!!! like jobs, welfare, social services, medical care, etc......These illegals are destroying this country. At their last rally they claimed they cost this country $500,000,000 that day, that's just a drop in the bucket compared to the legal U.S. citizens tax $$$ we pay to support them each day!!! "

    We do need wrote on Apr 18, 2007 1:22 AM:

    " the border fence. It is the only way to stop the drugs, and criminals from coming here. The drug smugglers don't come here for jobs, they come to addict people to the cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and other illegal drugs. We found a way to stop our people from producing methamphetamine, so now the mexican drug cartels are making it and sending it up here across our border. I agree with the fact that we need to make it illegal to hire them also. We can't support the whole world. Citigroup laid off 17,000 workers, so they could move the jobs to a lower paying market. Now the jobless claims have jumped by 19,000 and the total number of unemployed still drawing benefits after the initial weed of aid rose by 38,000 to a total of 2.53 million. Why are so many people unemployed if there are all these "jobs that people won't do"? When will you lose your job so another illegal alien can be employed? "

    Deacon wrote on Apr 18, 2007 1:26 AM:

    " The Illegals are planning another protest for May 1st (www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18040460) 4 days before their little celebration on May 5th. We should let business owners know that if they support/sponsor their May 5th party in any way, we will no longer patronize their product /place of business. PERIOD!!!!!!!! "

    No more illegals! wrote on Apr 23, 2007 2:57 PM:

    " Here is link to an informative video about illegal immigrants. It is eye opening! http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4094926727128068265&q=numbersus&pr=goog-sl "


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