County Board Legislative Committee Discusses Resolution on Immigrant Families; Referendum on Firearms Sanctuary Resolution

The Effingham County Board's Legislative Committee Monday discussed a resolution that would declare the county a sanctuary for immigrant families, and talked over whether to put an advisory referendum on the November ballot regarding the already-passed firearms sanctuary resolution.

The resolution regarding a sanctuary for immigrant families was suggested by Board Member Karen Luchtefeld. The measure reflects a vote by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops denouncing the separation of families at immigration entry points, and cites a number of other organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics that have "taken a stand" against the policy of separating children from their parents.

As discussion progressed, some board members asked Luchtefeld whether the measure pertains to documented or undocumented families. She said she wasn't certain whether it pertains to any specific group of immigrant families. Some other board members said such information would affect how they would view the resolution.

Luchtefeld's motion to take the matter to the full County Board died for lack of a second, but the matter might not be dead. County Board Chairman Jim Niemann said he would review the resolution further so more discussion might be forthcoming.

Meanwhile, County Board Vice-Chairman Dave Campbell asked whether the Board wanted to have an advisory referendum on the firearms sanctuary question. The measure is already on the books, leading member Joe Thoele to question the need for the referendum, saying the election in November would demonstrate how voters feel about the issue. That matter isn't dead, either. The question was tabled until the Board's Tax and Finance Committee meeting on Thursday at 3:30pm. 

The measure is being expedited since August is the deadline to get a referendum on the November ballot. If Tax and Finance recommends the measure go before the full Board at next week's regular meeting, the Board would meet the deadline for getting the question on the ballot.

When asked whether a large vote of the people opposing the measure would lead to a vote to rescind the resolution, Campbell said he was unsure, but said it wouldn't change his vote supporting the measure.

The committee decided to move an amendment in the county's truancy ordinance on to the full Board for a vote. State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said the amendment would add an ordinance violation to the criminal violations for truancy now on the books. Kibler said the measure is on the books in Christian and Montgomery counties, and Regional School Superintendent Julie Wollerman would like to see it available in all of the counties she oversees. Kibler said it would be "another tool" to use against parents permitting truancy. 

Action on appointing election judges for November was discussed, but the lists are not finalized. County Clerk Kerry Hirtzel said he's trying to get lists supplied by representatives of the parties, and hopes to have the information ready for Monday's full County Board meeting.

The committee also reviewed appointments to be considered Monday. One is to appoint retired State Trooper Ron Will to the Ambulance Oversight Committee to replace Lucas Ruholl. Ruholl has taken a job with the local ambulance service so can no longer serve on the oversight committee. The other is to appoint Twila Orr to the Board of Health. Dr. Dan Niebrugge is seeking to be reappointed, but Orr is being recommended for the spot.

The committee also met in closed session to discuss union negotiations with the Circuit Clerk's office employees, but there was no open session action.