Mayor’s task force expands list of members

By Tracy Buffington/Executive Editor
Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008 - 10:59:37 am CDT

There are a few familiar names among citizens added to the Mayor’s Task Force on Immigration.

Among the expanded list of members that was announced Monday are Donnie Temperley, plant manager at Hormel Foods Corp.; Les Leech, president of Fremont Beef; and Leslie Carter, executive

director of MainStreet of Fremont and candidate for

Ward 2 on the Fremont City Council.

Hormel and Fremont Beef often are accused of hiring illegal immigrants. Both, however, use the E-Verify system, a federally backed database that allows employers to verify the legal status of someone seeking a job.

Temperley did not respond to a voice mail message left at his office nor did Leech respond to an e-mail requesting comment.

Carter is running against incumbent Mary Marsh for a city council seat. Marsh was one of four city council members to vote to approve an ordinance that would have banned the harboring, renting to or hiring of illegal immigrants.

Other citizens joining the board are Gabriele Ayala, Joe Banker, Nancy Boyles, Jerry Delaney, Christy Fiala, John Lamar and Steve Tellatin.

Task force co-chairman Bill Ekeler said while some of the citizens are known in the business community, they do not necessarily represent the companies they work for.

“A lot of these people have come to me and others,” Ekeler said. “We really wanted to get both sides represented well.”

Boyles spoke in favor of a proposed ordinance. Delaney recently wrote a letter to the editor that was critical of the council’s and Mayor “Skip” Edwards’ decision.

Other additions to the task force included city and county staff members and a representative from Sen. Ben Nelson’s office. Those include Dean Skokan, city attorney; Tim Mullen, Fremont police chief; Steve Hespen, Dodge County sheriff; Doug Campbell, chief of corrections for Dodge County; and Dale Williamson, a representative from Nelson’s office.

Members who already were announced include Edwards; Ekeler; Paul Vaughan, Dodge County attorney; city council members Gary Bolton, Scott Getzschman and Charlie Janssen; Rita Kitchens, a local immigration attorney; Louis Pofahl and Angel Velitchkov, representatives from U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry’s office; and representatives from Gov. Dave Heineman’s office and Attorney General Jon Bruning’s office.

Two other people have been invited to serve on the task force and might be identified later, Ekeler said.

Wesley Holmes, who is staging a write-in candidacy for mayor, also has offered assistance and suggestions to the task force, Ekeler said.

“This is an outstanding group of individuals, regardless of their individual positions, committed to working toward a solution to this city’s immigration issues,” Ekeler said in a press release. “Frustration and emotion are part of this issue, but rational and factual information and discussions helped greatly in bringing individuals of differing opinions together in building this task force.”

Next up for the task force is the creation of sub-committees that will work on specific goals and objectives.

The task force was formed after Edwards cast the deciding vote on July 29 that defeated the proposed ordinance. Within two days, the mayor had arranged meetings with Heineman and Bruning and moved forward to form the task force, asking Ekeler to be his co-chairman.

Ekeler, who has been the spokesman for the task force, said he would like to present suggestions for local options that are in harmony with state and federal law by Nov. 1.

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kwho
Aug 19, 2008 1:08 PM
When did Hormel and Fremont Beef begin
using E-Verify?
I am also interested in knowing what other businesses use this system. By posting a sign on their doors saying that they use E-Verify, it would let me know they are doing their best to help combat identity fraud.
Good for you, Hormel and Fremont Beef!
Cher
Aug 19, 2008 3:10 PM
E-Verify does not combat identity fraud. It can only tell an employer if the worker is authorized to work in the U.S. It does not verify the worker's identity. It only verifies that the identity presented matches what is in the database.

Also, Just because a company puts a sign on the door saying they use the system, doesn't mean it's being used.
Response
Aug 19, 2008 3:57 PM
Fremont Beef and Hormel were original test users and have been using it from near its inception. I am also aware that Overland Products has also started to utilize E-Verify as well.
Concerned Fremonter
Aug 19, 2008 5:28 PM
More members who were against the ordinance. Hmmmm... sounds fishy.
SamIam
Aug 19, 2008 6:17 PM
Wow! They have enough people on this task force to insure nothing gets done!

"...would like to present suggestions for local options..." Like what? The ordinance itself was a local option that some council members voted against, saying the cost to defend it was too high. What option besides the status quo won't need defending in court. We are told that the ordinance would be struck down for usurping the Federal government. So what can a town do about immigration that will not?

I would really like to hear the options..my imagination is not what it was when I was younger. Maybe I'm too cynical but I feel the only options are: We either enforce the current laws or not! Take your pick.

Our federal representatives had better understand that we are getting tired of nothing getting done about anything!

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice,.....
older citizen
Aug 19, 2008 6:35 PM
Looks like a stacked deck to me - the School bond will go through but the petitions and goals of sub committee won't that's the way Fremont works - you really can't fight city hall - they set it up so they WIN!!!
This is not right
kwho
Aug 19, 2008 6:44 PM
Stewart Baker, Assistant Secretary for Policy for the Department of Homeland Security, wrote a very interesting article, "Debunking 3 more E-Verify Myths". It is a June 2, 2008 article in the "Homeland Security Leadership Journal".
As to the issue of misleading the public with signs, I am open to suggestions on how to find out if employers do indeed use E-Verify.
Don H
Aug 19, 2008 7:54 PM
Hormels isn't even in the city limits. The packing houses are the ones who usually hire the illegals. Anybody can get a card to show they are legal. It might cost you a few dollars but they are out there. Inviting packing houses to be a a part of this so called task force is getting funnier everyday. I guess if I need a good laugh for the day I will see what Skip Edwards has planned for the future. Why are we even having a task force for anyway. I am sure Edwards already has his speech all typed up explaning there is nothing he can do or could this be something political. Oh no who would believe that. Skip Edwards wants you to believe it. He has to go.
Encouraged
Aug 19, 2008 7:57 PM
I am sure the Fremont task force will do their best to combat this growing problem. I hope they contact other states such as Arizona and Missouri to learn what they have done. At one time I read something about local law enforcements being able to arrest illegal immigrants. I am not sure how that works, but it is worth looking into. It is something not many are aware of, or take advantage of. Maybe contacting I.C.E. is the way to find out about this. I feel encouraged and proud that a city in our state is willing to step up and do something.
Encouraged
Aug 19, 2008 8:20 PM
I found what I was looking for. 'State and Local Enforcement - 287(g) Program' I hope it can be checked into.
Trish
Aug 19, 2008 10:48 PM
Don H - you don't know what you are talking about...again.

And, the folks that we so excited about the need for this law were touting the e-verify program...now that the truth is out that these businesses are using it somehow now that isn't good enough either. The e-verify is not perfect but it was a key part of this law everyone wanted so badly -- so now why trash that too.

I have yet to read a viable solution from you...just more "tough talk" -- please spare us and leave the negative energy in the coffee shops.
Susan Smith
Aug 19, 2008 10:57 PM
Talk about stacking the deck against the Fremont Citizens! WOW. Does anyone know if anyone on the city council or in the mayor's office own rental property in Fremont - would that be a conflict of interest? Maybe this Task Commission will recommend that one has to show I.D. to get utilities turned on - pretty funny, since it's usually an American who rents the property and then moves the illegal aliens in. Yeh, Fremonters, keep believing this Task Commission is really going to protect Americans. GO CARL SCHAFFNER FOR MAYOR! A former marine who KNOWS what it takes to defend his country!
Task Farce
Aug 19, 2008 10:58 PM
The whole idea of this task force gets more amusing by the moment. What a waste of time. Stop waiting for this so called task "farce" to sit back and tell you they've "looked into it" and there's "no problem" or "nothing to be done, it's a Federal issue". I don't know about anyone else, but I stopped liking the idea of being pacified about the time I got off the "binky". This is just an attempt to pacify the citizens of this community because they believe we are not intelligent.

This community does not need a task force. If you believe that someone in the community is here illegally the US Immigration and Customs website provides a toll free number; call it. In addition you can always contact Scott Baniecke the Field Office Director for Nebraska for the Office of Detention and Removal Operations. his contact information is also located on the above named website.
lets see now
Aug 20, 2008 1:05 AM
if a well written, defensible ordinance (like other municipalities have already successfully adopted) can be brought to public vote, and if the public votes for it; then the task force's main job will be to explain why they cannot implement or enforce it. More "smoke & mirrors". The deck is stacked pretty heavily against any public vote on any meaningful issue ever occurring in any burg controlled by a few with money.
Response
Aug 20, 2008 6:22 AM
It is amusing how many of you profess to be "experts" and understand what "illegal" means. I'm certain this task force will have viable solutions and educate those who are capable of learning. Why not spend some of your extra time educating yourself and working towards a solution instead of making comments that do nothing to address the issues at hand?
Carl Schaffner
Aug 20, 2008 10:05 AM
Fremont is a small town of very good people no question about that. When reading the list of individuals selected to spearhead the panel looking into controlling an illegal immigrant population several on the panel insist doesn't exist I have to ponder the exciting outcome schedule, by chance, just before the November elections. With all sincerity I'm confident those selected for this panel want the best for our town however I don't understand how relocating the debate is going to hide the 800 pound gorrilla in the room. No matter what the panels outcome is this November our town will still have to act decisively on this issue or meet the fate of other small town that turned a blind eye to the issue of Illegal behavior. If I'm narrow minded on this issue so be it but in the end Illegal will still be Illegal, what we as a town are willing to do to confront this defining issue is the better question.
Kevin Rangle
Aug 20, 2008 10:42 AM
Carl Schaffner may know how to defend this country Susan but he sure does not know how to pay property taxes. I read that Carl has not paid his property taxes in 3 years. No thanks Carl.
Just Thinking
Aug 20, 2008 10:56 AM
So Hormel and Fremont Beef are using the E Verify system so freakin what, pretty easy to get fake id's with your picture printed on it, I had one before I was 21. Does this E-Verify use fingers prints? I totally agree that Skipping has to go along with some others and that the task force will just sit and not resolve any issues about illegal aliens and still get paid for doing so. Time for change people and a time for everybody to stop being so PC about issues, just do your job!
Hey Just Thinking
Aug 20, 2008 11:20 AM
Please remember that task force members, like those on the park board or board of adjustment, ARE NOT PAID for their work on the task force. Believe it or not, there are some people who are willing to VOLUNTEER their time and talents to work on city issues.
RE Kevin Rangel and others
Aug 20, 2008 11:25 AM
I'm not certain, but as a disable veteran, Carl may be eligible for an exemption on his taxes. If that's the case, fine. Those who served our country deserve some thanks. If that's not the case, then maybe Carl can explain it.
Tim
Aug 20, 2008 11:50 AM
Carl:

Glad to see you come out of hiding to again comment on the blogs here...but I have to ask what in the world are you trying to say in this comment?

We know you think this group is not needed, now you are taking shots at them -- I guess.

But yet, still no new ideas from you, no solutions, no nothing.

Thanks for letting us know what to expect from your leadership. We can not respond accordingly.
jack
Aug 20, 2008 12:15 PM
Did you notice the story about illegals in county court -- looks like there is law enforcement action against these folks.

Maybe somethign is happening in our area and with a continued push from citizens we will make a difference.

Don't waste your time on the ordinance -- advocate for real change and enforcement we can manage in our area.

If you want somethign done the law won't do it.
DAV
Aug 20, 2008 12:57 PM
I am a disabled veteran and I pay property taxes. Maybe Carl will help me figure out how I can also not pay taxes due to my disability. And it says he has not paid them in 3 years which makes me think he used to pay them. Carl did not just become disabled 3 years ago. Step up Carl, remember "integrity counts?"
AX E.
Aug 20, 2008 2:22 PM
The task force appears to be following the same format as Sen. Ashford, i.e. exclusion of the voices of the lawful citizen populace of Fremont. The task force will come up with the obvious, but will not likely produce any meaningful solutions. What is the usual result of task forces - state the obvious, kill time, delay and do nothing? Unfortunately the governmental bodies do not care to enforce the laws, undermining the rule of law and leave the citizens to fend for themselves. Even worse in many cases the governmental bodies even thwart the citizenry in its attempt to protect itself. It is like one has a fire in his/her house, the fire department is called and they answer by saying we can't come until we finish the checkers tournament. And we won't be able to come tomorrow because we are planning a picnic.
The lawful citizens have an opportunity to sign the petition and vote for or against. Other cities are
paralleling federal immigration law and are winning. The task force will be viewed as a task farce. Lawful Fremonters have an avenue to control the problem. If you do not act it will only beome worse.
nvon
Aug 20, 2008 2:36 PM
Carl Schaffner for Mayor ????? I heard he hasn't paid taxes in 3 years. I would be interested in knowing more about this. Maybe he needs to get his stuff in order before he starts messing with Fremont.
Response
Aug 20, 2008 2:51 PM
Carl,

You speak of "Illegal" being "Illegal," could you explain what you are referring to as I'm not sure you do understand? Perhaps if you can inform all of us faced with a decison to make in the next election we could start to see what it is that you understand about the word "Illegal" that the rest of us do not? Thanks in advance for your assistance here.
larry
Aug 20, 2008 3:33 PM
its nice to see the powers that be are so scared that old skippy might have to run against someone that they let it be know that carl hasnt paid property taxes in 3yrs. well its called the homestead act!! my folks are on it to. and what about all the rental property that skip has. most of it is listed under his wifes maiden name. and for that matter can anyone tell me wear skips office, that our taxes pay for, is at. I know several people who would like to know.
Shelley
Aug 20, 2008 3:58 PM
BTW...check out the court report from today and you will see that ICE is coming to town to put a hold on illegals. The voices are starting to get heard and the work of the task force (yes, folks people in this group are already hard at work) is making an impact.

Bad laws not needed, action by leaders is. Lots of work to do but I think we may actually see these folks on the task force make a difference.
Credit is not due
Aug 20, 2008 4:41 PM
To Shelley: Please do not give the task force credit for these individuals having a hold placed on them. They were arrested long before the task force was implemented and it is merely a coincidence that it is in the paper now.

Let me guess, the company who hired them used the E-verify system and they came back legal to work (imagine that).
A Patriot
Aug 20, 2008 5:02 PM
tokwho
They are lieing because they are hired through " Work Force" and they were told to SEE thier SS cards NOT to check them That was told to me at Work Force them selves. Just to look at their cards only. I questioned a person in Lincoln, an attorney for them and was called a trouble maker and racies
Shelley
Aug 20, 2008 5:16 PM
An interesting coincidence none the less -- since we were told there was NO enforcement and that ICE would not come and deal with these issues. So I guess the original info told by so many was wrong.
Hey Patriot
Aug 20, 2008 5:24 PM
Workforce Development doesn't actually hire people for companies. They list jobs and may connect you to an employer. It still is the employer's responsibility to fill out the federal I-9 form (you know, the one that asks for verification that you are eligible to work in the U.S.) Workforce Development does deal with unemployement compensation, but that's another issue isn't it.
CW
Aug 20, 2008 7:01 PM
Hormel and Fremont beef huh? Like thats not a conflict of interest. Geez, they must think we are all morons!
A Taxpayer
Aug 20, 2008 9:12 PM
Larry and others...it may be legal and there may be good reason that Carl doesn't pay property taxes like most of us...but that doesn't change the fact that he wants to be mayor and say how OUR tax dollars (not his) will be spent and no matter the reason he doesn't pay them -- it still makes it a lot easier for him to find all sorts of ways to spend it with no impact to him.

If he wants my vote -- he will pay taxes. Does he have a paying job? Becuase if he doesn't then I would like to know why -- hard to understand that he can't work a paying job but somehow can work as our mayor.

And by the way...I have nothing to do with electing Skip Edwards...don't even know the man...so sorry to spoil that theory.
Richard W
Aug 20, 2008 9:26 PM
Carl -- as you admit you are for sure narrow minded. That will not get this problem solved. Being so single focused on the ordinance will not help Fremont. Bring on new ideas with real solutions or move over.
Homestead
Aug 20, 2008 11:18 PM
Sorry homestead. Carl is not homesteaded nor would he qualify. And I really don't care why Carl isn't paying his taxes. the fact remains CARL SCHAFFNER DOES NOT PAY TAXES IN FREMONT. Carl reads these blogs and has yet to come up with a response. fact is he does not share the risk of an illegal ordinance that will cost hundreds of thousands if not more in tax money.

And the "Free attorneys" people speak of do not exist to defend fremont. The ones that claim they will help have not stepped up. And "if" they did represent for free they would not pay the damages. Fremont would. Of course Carl would not because he does not pay taxes.
A Patriot
Aug 21, 2008 5:58 AM
to Homestead. Have you ever met Carl, maybe you shoulsHe is comfined to a wheel chair from being wonded in battle and check the facts about the attorneys.
The GOP representive here in Fremont is in contact with them
NECONSERVATIVE
Aug 21, 2008 7:28 AM
To: DAV and other Vets
CC: Liberal leftists with your smear tactics by being UNINFORMED

Check with your DAV service officer for information concerning tax exemption. I became disabled over 30-years ago and just learned of it THIS year through my PVA officer.

I’m not an expert on the subject. I have not fully investigated it YET. I am thinking that it MAY have been left up to individual states, I could be wrong on this, but I do know there is a provision for 100% disabled vets concerning tax exempt status.

If you are receiving 100%, you need to check it out.

Good luck.
go figure
Aug 21, 2008 7:29 AM
What does Fremont's Mayor do? Only read statements prepared for him? Set up a bogus "task force"?
Fremont neads a true leader to attack the issues, all of them, that have piled up during the years of Edwards poor leadership.
Experience, education, drive, and expertise is needed. Not a retired gas station owner with no direction.
Hey Patriot
Aug 21, 2008 7:33 AM
Is Carl a wounded veteran? That doesn't appear to be quite accurate. He makes no mention of that on his Web site (the one he created for running for mayor). On a social network site, his profile states: "I was an active person before Multiple Sclerosis put the wrong pep in my step." Which social networking site, just Google his name and you'll see it. Yes, Carl is a veteran who served proudly and deserves credit for the four years of active duty and the years of service in the reserves. But it seems to me, and I could be wrong, that Multiple Sclerosis and not an active duty injury, is why Carl is confined to a wheelchair.
Hopefull
Aug 21, 2008 9:11 AM
I for one would like to take a step back and give the Task Force a chance to do their thing. Seems to me we have a lot of arm chair psychics out there that can predict the Task Force will fail. Then get off your duff's and volunteer. These people are not paid and they are taking time from their families, jobs and lives to try and make a bad tension filled issue solveable. They are putting their hearts into this issue no matter what side of the issue they are on. They, unlike many of you are looking for a workable solution to this problem. With all the misinformation out there it is very easy to sit in judgement but before you do, take the time to really research this issue and maybe then you won't speak so harshly of a group of good people trying to help their community. Let them do their job before you dismiss them as ineffective or better yet, go help them.
To Hopefull
Aug 22, 2008 6:34 AM
"Let them do their job before you dismiss them as ineffective or better yet, go help them"

Did I miss the free sign up sheet? Last I checked it wasn't open to the community to just join you had to be appointed.
To To Hopeful
Aug 22, 2008 7:38 AM
In selecting members for the task force, everyone that was concerned and: called and made an effort to be part of the solution was considered and at a minimum spoke with. Perhaps you should call the task force co-chair and get involved if you REALLY want to help?
Appointed
Aug 22, 2008 10:02 AM
I personally would like an explanation as to how "the chosen few" were appointed. Where are the minority representatives? And you can't just volunteer to serve, I know some valid community members with just the expertise needed and they were turned away at the same time the newspaper reported that there were more names being added to the task force. Hmmmm.
Doug
Aug 22, 2008 10:13 AM
Good God! Carl hasn't paid taxes because he's a disabled vet and the VA has substantially helped with his home. That's a rare situation, but entirely legal, upfront, and acceptable by the State's own standards. Jeez! Give it up people!
Dear Appointed
Aug 22, 2008 11:08 AM
Dear appointed,

I would suggest that when you write, you convey facts to the general public. Facts are truths that you can prove based on factual documentation, not what you heard at the coffee shop or the bar. I know for a FACT that when this task force was assembled that minorities were asked to be involved and they are. I also know for a FACT that not one single individual that contacted the chair or co-chair was "turned away" at any time. I would suggest to you that you get your FACTS straight instead of communicating your own, fabricated 1/2 truths just to move forward your own, uneducated opinions.
Chris Legband
Aug 22, 2008 11:20 AM
APPOINTED IS CORRECT.
I for one, did contact a city council person to volunteer my time, was not contacted or considered for this task force. Get YOUR facts straight.
Tom
Aug 23, 2008 7:17 AM
Dear:Dear Appointed:

You state:
"Facts are truths that you can prove based on factual documentation,..."

Then you state:
"I also know for a FACT that not one single individual that contacted the chair or co-chair was "turned away" at any time."

Unless you are both the chair and co-chair It is impossible to prove that any individual who contacted them at any time was not turned away.

Facts are very tricky. Even our mathematical systems are based on theorems proven using some basic assumptions. Molecular Theory is a theory because it also requires assumptions.

I love logic and mathematics. I am rather chagrined at the frequent use of the word fact on message boards. Feel free to assume that I am educated.