Rally officially kicks off petition drive

By Tracy Buffington/Executive Editor
Sunday, Sep 07, 2008 - 07:23:10 am CDT

Efforts to force a special election on an ordinance dealing with illegal immigration in Fremont have officially begun.

About two dozen people gathered Saturday morning at the Fremont Vets Club to assist in the circulation of petitions seeking a special election.

"Unfortunately the city council let us down," said John Wiegert, one of three people leading the drive. "So Wanda (Kotas), Jerry (Hart) and I thought, ‘What can we do to help the people of Fremont.’ This is our way to get the vote to the people."

To force a special election, approximately 3,000 signatures of registered voters who live inside the Fremont city limits must be obtained within the next six months. That represents 20 percent of the registered voters.

Wiegert said they would like to collect those signatures in the next two months.

If the petition drive is successful, Fremont voters would be able to make a decision on an ordinance that would ban the harboring, renting to or hiring of illegal immigrants.

It is the same ordinance that failed to make it through the city council in July. That’s when members voted 4-4, effectively killing the measure, with Mayor "Skip" Edwards cast a deciding vote against the ordinance.

"I feel we were let down; we were cheated by the city council," said Wiegert, who led Saturday’s rally. "We would like to get it in people’s hands and put it back to your vote."

While Hart, Kotas and Wiegert are leading the petition drive, they said they need help if it is to be successful.

"We’re going to need help," said Wiegert. "Wanda, Jerry and I can not do this by ourselves.

"Everybody knows somebody, whether it’s family, friends, a few neighbors," he added. "Grab a petition, keep it for a couple of weeks until you get it filled out."

Hart, Kotas and Wiegert provided instructions to those who would circulate the petitions. They reminded volunteers to make sure signers fill out the petition form fully and accurately and to remain positive when talking with residents.

They also reminded volunteers that the ordinance isn’t about race but about illegal immigrants.

"It has nothing to do with race," Wiegert said. "It’s about doing what’s legal. It’s also about protecting the people who are here legally so that they can obtain the rights of our country."

They added that those who would like to pick up petitions or to sign one may call the Vet’s Club, 721-4474, 4-10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

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Can this be over
Sep 7, 2008 7:53 AM
"Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no....whose with me?"

Sometimes things just need to be over. I can't wait, like 51% of all other registered voters, to vote no.

Please people sign the petition so those voting against it can..."whose with me?"
fremonter
Sep 7, 2008 9:58 AM
what a bunch of "idiots & morons"
listen to me people.
ITS A FEDERAL ISSUE NOT LOCAL
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU TO UNDERSTAND SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS THIS.
the first lawsuit against the city will be thrown out as well as any that follow. i have met a lot of people who are slow, but fremont seems to have more than its share of thm. i would say probably 98% you say that the feds arent doing their job? of course the arent. they never do when its something that makes sense or if theres no money in it for them. get real people.
Dave
Sep 7, 2008 10:48 AM
It's becoming more and more of a police state, in our country every year. So, health care is supposed to be one of the big issues, involving undocumented people. We should be aware that if we drive all the undocumented people out of Fremont, they can "still" come to the Fremont E/R, and not be legally denied treatment. Continue to oppress people less fortunate than ourselves, and one day when something like that happens to us, then what ? There'll be no one to turn to. WWJD ? I think you all, already know the answer to that. There's no way in this world that I will sign that ridiculous petition, and I hope that most people will see through it, and refrain from signing it also. I know there are some that will disagree, and that is their right.
Dave
Sep 7, 2008 8:52 PM
Uh, I hate to have to point this out, but it wasn't the Germans. It was Japan. Duh !
Disgusted
Sep 7, 2008 9:09 PM
Never in my life have I seen such wimps as the ones who are posting on the petition. So we get sued. Bob Warner has backing as far as attorney fees but somebody has to start it. You are like a little bunch of kids. I won't do anything till you do it. You all sound like a bunch of little girls.
Vet
Sep 7, 2008 10:03 PM
Why is the Vets Club running this deal? The Vets Club is facing possible closure becuase of financial problems...wish Wanda and others would spend this much energy keeping our club open. This is not a issue the Vet Club should be spearheading this way. Why not work on vets issues if you wanted to spearhead a community effort?
Jill
Sep 7, 2008 10:12 PM
How much do Hart, Kotas and Wiegert know about this law, about illegal immigrants, the work of the task froce currently in place, etc. I understand folks are frustrated but that is no reason to put a law on the ballot. All we ever hear from supporters is that they are mad at the council or mayor and that we need to do "sotmething." Fremont needs to get educated before we should be deciding on a ordinance as important as this one.
Howie
Sep 7, 2008 10:15 PM
The good news is that these must be Fremont registered voters...and since voter registration is not that great in our town and registered voters tend to be a bit more educated on the reality of issues I predict this will not make the ballot.

There are good reasons that this was voted down before and good reasons not to sign this now.

Supporters seems to lack and real reason for doing this beyond frustration, anger and other emotional responses to this issue in our community.
jake
Sep 8, 2008 1:13 AM
RE Can this be over.


your wrong the jap's bombed Pearl Harbor. perhaps you need to go back to school and get your facts straight.

and just think if your wrong about your nations history i wonder what else your wrong about?
The Delta House
Sep 8, 2008 7:25 AM
to Dave and jake

"Germans?"
"Don't stop him now, he is on a roll"
Tired of Morons-Used To Be Bobo
Sep 8, 2008 8:09 AM
Hey, Can this be over-
Brilliant post.
Where's Beldar? Didn't the Germans also bomb France?
frank
Sep 8, 2008 8:52 AM
Fremonters,get registered to vote and sign the petition. Let the voters decide. Be a part of Fremont history. Get informed, be involved, care for your city. The feds are not going to come to your rescue. They are broke, and they do not have the intestinal fortitude to get involved. If you are waiting for the feds to help, put yourself in the shoes of the people in New Orleans and hurricane Katrina. You have to do it for yourselves. Don't wait for the Feds-They are not coming to save you.
Ted
Sep 8, 2008 10:19 AM
Why is a guy from Omaha acting as chief counsel to the three local leaders. Is this really an effort from an outside group with three local faces here to try and hide the real organizers?
AMEN TO Fremonter and Vet
Sep 8, 2008 10:29 AM
Come on people. Use your time, energy and passion for something productive. Volunteer at the Care Corps. Help make a difference in a good way rather than being fueled by ignorance and "smoke screen" racism. I'll be praying for you all.
Bluto
Sep 8, 2008 10:34 AM
To Dave, Jake, etc....
The reference to the "Germans" is a quote from the movie Animal House. It was when Bluto was trying to convince the rest of the frat-brothers to rally to the cause. Hope this helps you understand "Can this be over's" post. The poster actually wants to vote on the petition, he wants to vote NO, and he wants this whole thing to be over.
Andy Schnatz
Sep 8, 2008 10:56 AM
to all that say if is a federal issue
the Federal Government is there to protect the citizens of this country from any invasion.
If the Feds wont do it it is up to the states. If they wont it is up to the cities.
If they wont then it is up to the citizen to do it.
When I said invasion that is what it is. Mexicans say they will take their country back. If you watch the news you have seen that statement many times.
The once most powerfull country is being taken over by an invasion and not one shoot has been fired. And if you allow that to happen then you deserve everything that happens. But I will not give up the fight. If you want then that is your choice
Momma
Sep 8, 2008 12:54 PM
Dave and Jake have never seen "Animal House".....what are they teaching kid nowadays ;-)
To Andy
Sep 8, 2008 1:06 PM
Finally, the truth comes out of your mouth!!! Not once in your "posting" did you use the word "illegals", you just said "Mexicans". But it's not about Race??? Give me a break!!!!!
It IS a Federal issue, and because of that, this ordinance doesn't stand a chance in court, which is where this is definitely headed!!!
former greenskeeper-now at Augusta
Sep 8, 2008 1:08 PM
to: CAN THIS BE OVER.
Listen here fella, I dont what you got against germans OR movies produced after 1982 but I know theres less than 51% or maybe 1/2 that will vote yes. Where do you get your facts?...The fonz????
Just Me
Sep 8, 2008 3:02 PM
we all sound "like a bunch of little girls"Say what you just said again as you look in the mirror, what do you look like? Im praying for the whole WORLD. GOD HAS PLANS AND REASONS FOR ALL.
CW
Sep 8, 2008 3:36 PM
You know, you are all right ... this is indeed a federal issue. Guess what though? The government isn't doing anything about it! They have never done much of anything about it, and they will never do anything about it! If that is the case, then I feel that it is up to us to protect our town from becoming a city where illegals from ANY country think that they are safe. If we have an attorney backing us, and if similar laws have held up in court elsewhere, then what is the big deal? I'm not a racist and I am getting really sick of hearing that BS. I am part hispanic. My great grandfather came to America the legal way. He worked hard, he went to night school to learn English, and he was a great American citizen. Why is it so much to ask that other people, from ANY other country do the same? Apparently these people feel its easier to come hear illegally and steal from others to make their lives better. Now I'm sure some of you are ready to jump at that remark ... the truth is that they are stealing from us. They steal social security numbers, and they steal state aid that they shouldnt even be entitled to. If we didnt have a illegals draining our resources more of our legal citizens would be getting the help from the state that they need. If you came here illegally you should not get a dime from the state. ... Back to the social security issue, do any one of you know how long it takes to straighten things out when someone illegally uses your social security number? Identity theft is a huge problem, and the illegals contribute to it. Something needs to be done to protect people from things like this. Contrary to what everyone seems to think, I don't give a rats hat how many hispanics live in this city, as long as they are legal. It really isn't about race. It's about the law, and its about whats right, and what can help our city state and country. Everyone seems to be so sure that this ordinance won't pass, but I'd like to see for myself what the people of Fremont think. You know, if you are all soooo sure that this won't pass, then I encourage you to go out ans sign the petition ... prove yourselves right ... or wrong.
Room for one more
Sep 8, 2008 7:43 PM
Since the article is about a petition can we get a petition to force the schools to stop forcing our children into classes that use time to translate for those who don't speak English?

Our state Constitution says that English is our official language and that it will be used and taught in schools.

However, in High School, once the lesson has been given in English there are classes where the teacher uses the work time to reteach the lesson in Spanish. This is very disruptive to the students who are trying to do their work, as well as, takes time away from the instructor to answer the questions of the other students working.

If the students don't speak English because they are legal immigrants who just got here, they should be in an ESL course and get their additional assistance there. If they're illegal immigrants and can't speak the language we shouldn't be spending our tax dollars on them to begin with.

There's a lot of petitions going around lately, just thought I'd find out how I could start my own.
bottom line
Sep 8, 2008 8:07 PM
To Ted--

Great point. I have also heard the main man of the petition is a guy out of Omaha. I don't think many know, but the guy driving the boat is from Omaha playing Fremonters like puppets.

Makes me wonder....the lead organizer is from Omaha, the "pro bono" defense attorneys are from Colorado and the money for the special election (and eventually defending the lawsuits) is from Fremonters?

This will be an easy vote for me.
Ax Ex
Sep 8, 2008 9:08 PM
In truth the illegal alien issue is first a federal problem. The guarding of our sovereign borders is a primary federal responsibility. The failure to secure our borders was intended. The state of Nebraska has also abrogated its responsibility to blunt and control the problem by failing to address the problems at the level of the governor and the unicameral. Fremont is left with two options, submit to la invsora or protect itself. In reality it is no longer a federal problem, but a local problem. This crisis persists because the Democrat Party wants a new victim class, i.e. power, the Republican party wants cheap labor and the desperate Mexican government has a operating policy to push as many of its citizens out of Mexico and into the U.S. Mexico will not attempt to solve the problems within its own county. As written, the ordinance is constitutional, enforceable
and non-racist. The situation as it now stands can be encompassed by the following – privatize the profits and generalize the costs to the lawful citizens. Fremonters have a choice - they can vote for the status quo by not signing the petition, or vote for the petition to protect yourselves and Fremont.
Confused
Sep 8, 2008 9:24 PM
just me------Are you saying God planned for all the illegals to break the law. Yes I can look in the mirror a hundred times a day and I see a tax payer paying through the nose to support the illegals who alone cost the Fremont Hospital or I should say us over $500,000 last year. I don't believe God has plans or a reason like that. In other words every time there is something done illegally like murder or robbery God had these plans. I don't think so and I don't think you do either
Diane
Sep 8, 2008 11:08 PM
CW
"It's not about race."

Yes it is; it has everything to do with race. EVERYTHING, but I fully am cool with you believing what you want to believe if it makes you sleep better.

If it WAS NOT about race, than "legal immigrants" could feel safe and free and welcome in Fremont. The fact is, people look at anyone of a different color, most especially "brown" as illegal, no matter what, and that makes this a racial issue.

Other cultures do not feel welcome here, and they should because this is AMERICA. Not everyone is illegal who is different, and you are not in a place to judge who is legal and who is not. Don't assume, or you are a racist.
jake
Sep 9, 2008 12:44 AM
now that i understand that the "Germans" was a movie reference i now have a better understanding as to where some people in Fremont get their information. people not everything you see in a movie is real. broaden your perspectives perhaps read a book (and yes some come in audio for those who watch too much animal house) about current national issues.
RE Confused
Sep 9, 2008 4:17 AM
Fremont Area Medical Center paid $500,000 in charity and bad debt for ALL HISPANICS during the past year. Are you then saying all Hispanics are "illegal"?
Andy Schnatz
Sep 9, 2008 5:57 AM
First I would like to say learn to read the blogs. It seems you only read what you want to see. As soon anyone mentions Mexican you see racies. Read ALL of the statement, All of the words and understand what you are reading. You can see what I mean when you READ what is written in this blog page.
And I use my real name
Read On
Sep 9, 2008 6:01 AM
Let me see, simple math would say that if Hispanics cost FAMC $300,000-500,000 then the rest of you collectively cost FAMC, excuse me "us" right around $4 million. So, where does the true problem lie? Get off your rears, get a job and do something about that!
Done Paying
Sep 9, 2008 7:36 AM
Diane, I don't care if it is just 1 illegal immigrant in our city - I'm DONE Paying for it!

I do not judge anyone by their color, etc. I know several people from various nationalities that are here legally.

The point is... some are NOT here legally and I will NOT welcome them and I am DONE paying for them!
Hopefull
Sep 9, 2008 9:35 AM
I am very hopefull this will all be settled and soon for the good of our community as will as our country. However, I do not understand why profiling is such a bad thing. If you are here legally, why would you have a problem with showing your documents? If you are here illegally, you face the music. Any country in the world can make you show your proper documents when in their country. Mexico as well and you can not make me beleive that there isn't profiling done there. We should demand proper documentation without people claiming to be victims of profiling. The bottom line is that if you are in this country illegally, then don't expect the same rights and priviliges I have worked all my life to earn and protect. You are here illegally and expect to be treated as such. If people are inconvenienced by showing their documents so be it. My brother looks Arab (he is German) and has been stopped numerous times at airports. He considers this a mild inconvenience compared to protecting our country. So if you want to be in our borders do it right, if you do not want to do it right quit whining about what you think I owe you, you are not a victim and I owe you nothing but contempt for allowing you to break out laws. As for all the rest of you whiny bleeding hearts - show your proper documents and quit whining. How would you feel if we stood by an let another 9/11 happen because we did not want to upset or inconvenience you whiners with proper documentation. Think about it with SAC that close to Fremont we could be the next casualty of terriorism.
Hmmm
Sep 9, 2008 10:08 AM
To everyone against this ordinance that are saying is about race and thinking the people for the ordinance are assumimg that all 'brown' people are illegal. Why wouldn't you want this passed to remove all doubt? What would the problem be then?

If EVERYONE renting and working in Fremont has to PROVE that they are here LEGALLY then nobody would be able to look at them and assume that they are illegal.

Is it a 'right to privacy' issue? If that's the case, why doesn't everyone have a 'privacy' problem when applying for a job, credit or any of the other various places that require personal information? This ordinance is requiring EVERYONE renting in Fremont to get a permit. In order to get that permit you have to file an application with your REAL name and your status in this country. Wheather here legally or not. Just the facts, no judgement from Fremont on the information provided on the application. You can not be denied a permit! but...(there is always one of those)These applications will be forwarded to the Federal government for review.

It would STILL be up to the Federal government to enforce any action if the person is not here legally.

I ask, how is that racist and unconstitutional?
Way to go
Sep 9, 2008 11:16 AM
To: CW & Room for One More

I'm with you guys! Well said! Good Luck & Amen!
RE Hmmmm
Sep 9, 2008 11:28 AM
Here's a couple of questions for you:
1. What's keeping someone from NOT providing their real name when they apply or simply saying their are U.S. citizens? The ordinance -- I've read the entire thing more than once -- says only those who report they are alien residents will be checked for verification.
2. Why single out renters? Why not make everyone who lives inside the city of Fremont prove they are legal residents of the United States?
Hmmm
Sep 9, 2008 12:18 PM
I don't know how they plan on verifying the legitimacy of the information on the application. Maybe they should have to use the E-Varify system that employers will be required to use. This may be a loophole that needs to be repaired.

I would have no problem with EVERYONE living in Fremont, or Nebraska (while we are at it, the whole country) to have to get one of these permits. This is NOT to prove they are a legal citizen, but to prove you are here LEGALLY. There are people who are not citizens of the US that are here legally. Work and school visas for example. These are the alien residents that would check that particular box.

They would also need to send ALL of the applications to be reviewed. Then there would be no room for people to scream ‘racism’.

But then again, isn’t this already what the Federal government is supposed to be doing but is not. Aren’t they supposed to protecting the citizens of this country from people who are here illegally and causing harm to the citizens, whether it be financially or physically? Why is it when you travel to any other country, you are required to have a valid updated passport, but people coming here are NOT required to have one?

Passport requirements screen people for health risks and questionable behavior. Why isn't EVERYONE entering the United States from ANYWHERE carrying one of these? Or rather, why is that law is not enforced?

Isn’t that why this ordinance came about in the first place?
Jake
Sep 9, 2008 5:25 PM
i hope this gets signed, i hope this works! if so i can guarantee the apartment i live in on east dodge would get CLEARED OUT, then hopefully my kid will live by friends he can actually understand when they talk.

i will definetely be signing this petition and hopefully voting yes on the issue
CW
Sep 9, 2008 6:06 PM
Diane-
Don't assume, or you are a racist.

Ok I have a problem with this statement for two reasons.

The first is that you are the one who is assuming things. You ASSUME that I like at every 'brown person' and assume they are illegal. I do not. I know plenty of 'brown people' that are here legally. Many of them are members or my family. [You know I mentioned this in my last post, which is why I'm appalled that you are calling me a racist] Should I go to my mother and tell her I am a racist because she is a Mexican? Should I tell my grandparents, my great grand parents, my aunts and uncles, my great aunts and uncles, and my cousins that I am a racist? They would look at me and laugh. The reason being because they would all know how ridiculous that is. Most of my family is Hispanic. I am not a racist. I am a person who wants people to follow the rules, to not break the laws, to do what is right rather than what is easy. I am a person who wants my tax paying dollars to go to something that will benefit the LEGAL citizens of this town, this state and this country. That's all. There is no hidden agenda there. There is no hate, there is no discrimination. I don't care where you came from as long as you got here legally.

I have to say this though, I am more than amused by your comment, it shows that you didnt even fully read what I had to say before you had a comment to make. You are the one is who is assuming things. You told me how I felt about the issue, when you could not have been more inaccurate. So here's my suggestion to you ... before you have something to say, make sure you know what you are talking about.
to jake
Sep 9, 2008 6:37 PM
Hey Jake,
If you are so worried about your son living next to hispanics in your apartment, why don't you buy a house?

If you cannot afford that, then why don't you move to another apartment. Or, here's a though---let your child play with the hispanics--maybe he could learn spanish, become bilingual and get a great paying job after college and he could then buy you a house!
Alison
Sep 9, 2008 8:50 PM
All this big talk...and not one solid fact about Fremont. Generalizations and big scary talk is nice window dressing on thsi issue but means nothing. If this is all that folks want it to be in terms of damage to city, cost to the city, etc. -- then put up or shut up. period
To Read On
Sep 9, 2008 9:40 PM
Read On:

The information for the $4 million includes ALL other races combined. Do you realize how many races there are especially when you take into consideration the mixing of races?

Even if the FAMC would give us the facts on the break down of race by race one would still have to question how accurate it would be as often persons of mixed races choose one race over the other when answering questionaires.

I reallly don't care which race is costing us the most in healthcare debt as I'd venture to say all of them do their fair share.

What I would like is information regarding how much illegal immigrants are costing us either way. The data focused on Hispanics vs. all other races not illegal immigrants vs natural born citizens and those who are here legally.

Personally it's never been a race based issue for me so I found the data completely useless as it relates to illegal immigration.
Vets Club Member
Sep 9, 2008 9:45 PM
VETS CLUB SHOULD NOT BE IN THE BUSINESS OF PROMOTING POLITICAL ISSUES SUCH AS THIS ONE...

Board members should tell Wanda to do this on her time in her own business. I was told Vets close may have to close due to financial issues...should you really be focusin gon this? Focus on the vets club and service to veterans.
AxEx
Sep 9, 2008 10:20 PM
The ordinance employees e-verification.
Re To Jake
Sep 10, 2008 6:32 AM
To the person who responded to Jake, I don't recall him saying anything in his post about Hispanics or that the language his nieghbors speak is Spanish.

Perhaps he knows of some white, French speaking illegal immigrants living in his building.