Judge to rule quickly on Fremont, Ne. election ordinance targeting illegal immigrants

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10611948

Published Friday April 17, 2009
Judge to rule quickly on Fremont election
BY KEVIN COLE
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

FREMONT, Neb. — A Dodge County District Court judge promised Thursday to rule quickly on whether the City of Fremont must hold a special election to vote on an ordinance targeting illegal immigrants.

Judge John Samson listened to arguments for 90 minutes Thursday before assuring both sides that he wants to end a debate that began in the City Council last July.

"I don't have a time frame, but I will be issuing a written order as soon as possible," Samson said.

The ordinance is drawn along the same lines as one that failed when Mayor Skip Edwards cast the tie-breaking vote.

Soon afterward, residents Wanda Kotas, Jerry Hart and Josh Wiegert began circulating a petition requiring a special election on the ordinance. The necessary 3,000 signatures were reached last month.

If approved, the ordinance would require contractors and employers who get licenses, permits or loans from the city to electronically verify a job applicant's immigration status.

FULL story at link.