Marcy Westerling challenges the Columbia County DA on his wording Ballot Title, of Wayne Mayo's recent ballot measure, regarding illegal workers in Columbia County. Westerling came before Judge Grove along with two attorneys to try and change wording on the initiative. The attorney representing Westerling challenged the wording on the proposed signs, the wording that they were concerned with was, illegal workers, the attorney argued that illegal could mean someone who is a legal citizen but who drives a truck but has expired CDL's would that include these people as undocumented workers? Westerling also wanted her attorney fees paid which grove denied. Another point that was questioned was, the posting of signs around the county listing Columbia County as an illegal immigrant free county. This could be a mute point because there is actually no law that is on the books to enforce contractors to be in compliance with any posted signs and the county has no ordinance in effect to enforce such measures.
Columbia County DA Steve Atchison explained the way he did the title; he regarded signs as a tool and wrote the title according. He further explained that it was his job to write the ballot titles, and NOT his job to decide political conflict, if he did than he would not be doing his job. He tried to avoid any language that might appear that he was taking sides.
He also commented that in the statement to post signs or a $15,000.00 fine on contractors, he had a hard time balancing the statement, because of the limit of the wording context.
Groves ask the DA if this measure would cause the county to enforce or create an ordinance? DA replied who knows, there are dozens of issues on this measure that may come up.
If people want to explain or inform voters than they need to buy an in favor or argument piece in the voter's pamphlet.
Judge Grove, Rules at 11:18 PM September 17, 07
"Struggling with the term "referencing" in caption- dislikes prohibits, might like "sanctions" issue was not clear.
"Under Statement" remove "order all" Contractors responsibility (yes) county's responsibility (No).
DA: ok with changes.
Westerling attorney wanted undocumented workers taken out.
Judge Grove responds, this is as good as it can be corrected, Grove ordered new caption and Statement.

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