Saturday, June 16, 2007
Wake up P-G, Chad Fradette is not abusing his power
Sometimes I wonder what is going on at the Press-Gazette. Sometimes they can be spot on, other times they miss the point big time. Today is one of those days they just don't get it.
In today's paper, they go after Green Bay Alderman and City Council President Chad Fradette.
Green Bay City Council President Chad Fradette is close to the edge of abuse of power.
He needs to step back.
Wednesday, the Green Bay Protection and Welfare Committee delayed action on renewal of liquor licenses for more than 500 bars, liquor stores and other businesses while it considers an ordinance that would require any business with a license or permit to promise to adhere to federal immigration laws.
It's unfortunate that city government is distracted from its real duties, chasing after an issue over which it has no authority and can only heap embarrassment upon the community.
It's outrageous that Fradette appears to be using this as an excuse to go after a business owner who dared to oppose his initiative.
Fradette said Wednesday he wants to scrutinize the license of Carnita Guanjuato, 1908 University Ave., because owner Maria Sandoval dared to criticize the council president's immigration proposal.
In an interview with the Press-Gazette in April, Sandoval said that, although she was a legal immigrant herself and hired no undocumented workers at her business, she would relinquish her license before agreeing to make such a promise.
So, in other words, she won't make a promise to not hire illegal workers and follow federal law and verify workers are legal to work in the United States. She is unwilling to follow a law. In my book, that is called criminal.
Fradette claims Sandoval's exercise of her First Amendment right to criticize her government made him suspicious that she might not be here legally, or that she is hiring people who don't have proper immigration papers.
Exactly. If she is here legally, and conducts hiring in a legal manner, she has nothing to worry about. Law abiding citizens don't have to worry about things like that.
That kind of remark by a government leader has a chilling effect on free speech. The next time a resident complains about garbage pickup policy or traffic delays or the city budget, will Fradette or another official use the power of their position to investigate and harrass?
No, garbage collection is a service offered to Green Bay residents, much like good roads. The city doesn't have to provide either. Verification of legal residence is a law in with people must abide by.
And his suggestion raises a host of other thorny issues: How exactly will this ordinance be enforced? Will all 500 or so licensees be investigated proactively, or will authorities only enforce the ordinance in reaction to tips or the whims of city officials, or as payback for challenging elected leaders? Who will do the investigating? The door suddenly seems open to old-fashioned cronyism and influence peddling.
We don't believe Green Bay wants to be associated with vendettas and witch hunts.
Fradette is leading city government down a path it ought not tread.
All 500 licenses should be given a proper review, not just a fast track. When you're talking alcohol, public safety its at the utmost concern. Why do you think Hip Cats was on an abatement plan? Why was there so much concern over Nick Barnett's Five Six? It is because the members of the City Council were doing their job, looking at all angles of the business.
And let's not forget that illegal imigration is a public safety concern. First, they broke a law entering the country. They either work for cash and not pay taxes, which is illegal after a certain amount, or they steal identities to work, which is also illegal.
And let's not forget about the violent criminals that cross our borders, or worse, committ crimes to innocent Americans with in this country. Our prisions are filled with them.
Chad Fradette shouldn't be criticized for looking out for legal, law-abiding residents of the City of Green Bay. That is what an alderman does.
Labels: Brown County, Liberal Hypocracy
