EFTA01378386.pdf

Page 4 E-Verify debate rages on Springfield News-Leader (Missouri) January 15, 2012 Sunday Springfield News-Leader (Missouri) January 15, 2012 Sunday E-Verify debate rages on BYLINE: By, Wes Johnson SECTION: MAIN; Pg. Al LENGTH: 1210 words News-Leader One Springfield business owner calls the upcoming E-Verify vote "a solution begging for a problem in Springfield." Another wonders why a Springfield employer wouldn't want to use E-Verify to know whether a job applicant is legal to hire. On Feb. 7, Springfield voters will decide whether anyone who hires within the city of Springfield will be forced to use the government's online E-Verify system. The controversial proposal put forth by the Ozarks Minutemen could lead to fines for those who don't use E-Verify in their hiring or who employ people who can't legally work in the city. The proposal sparked a range of views among local business owners and hiring managers. "I'm going to vote against it," said Tom Pierson, who co-owns Kaleidoscope Ink tattoo shop in Springfield with his wife, Pam. "I don't see that a problem exists for there to be such a hue and cry for it. It's a solution begging for a problem in Springfield." Pierson employs between 15 and 20 people and with relatively low turnover, wouldn't need to do an E-Verify query very often. "Frankly, I wouldn't know how to do it," he said. "It would be a hassle at first. I would have to delegate it, probably to my wife and daughter." Kit Carson, president of Carson-Mitchell Engineers & Builders, said his company already E-Verifies every prospective employee. "We already are required to do it for all public work contracts we get," Carson said. "Not just us, but all our subcontractors. For internal use only CONFIDENTIAL - PURSUANT TO FED. R. CRIM. P. 6(e) DB-SDNY-0075562 CONFIDENTIAL SDNY_GM_00221746 EFTA01378386