Illegal Aliens Cause Stir in Court House Construction.

12 February 2009 - A big tip of the hat to the activist group Jobs for Georgians for holding Cobb County government accountable. Below is a formal statement from Cobb Commission Chairman (and candidate for State Attorney General) Sam Olens regarding the recent dust up over the illegal aliens working for a subcontractor on the construction site of the Cobb County Courthouse. Do you think this incedent will have any effect on his campaign for State Attorney General?

Statement from Cobb County Commission Chairman Sam Olens


(Marietta, GA -- February 11, 2010)

Last Thursday I received an e-mail concerning possible illegal workers at the County Courthouse project. The e-mail was forwarded to Turner, the general contractor, requesting immediate review of the allegations and a response forthwith.

Turner had affidavits per SB 529 and federal law, for all of its subcontractors on the job site. Unfortunately, it appears that a subcontractor, Zebra, hired a sub sub without complying with SB 529. The “Jobs for Georgians” complaint was verified and the sub sub has been removed from the site. We thank “Jobs for Georgians” for bringing this illegal activity to our attention. Turner is now seeking affidavits of sub subs and is reviewing their policies to include spot checks and name checks with I-9s.

Cobb County was in all likelihood the first local government in Georgia to fully comply with SB 529 and we are embarrassed and frustrated by Zebra’s alleged actions. All tax dollars should be sp¬ent consistent with Georgia law, assuring all labor on job sites is legal.

We have requested that Turner review all available legal options concerning the actions of Zebra and seek 100% compliance with the law at all times. Legal issues remain regarding possible fines and breach of contract. I have directed that the pertinent file be submitted to ICE for investigation.

Further, we remain concerned that SB 529 needs further strengthening. Proposed HB 1164 provides penalties for governments and contractors but not subcontractors. It is apparent that even with governments requiring the pertinent affidavits, contractors and subcontractors need to be fully responsible for every single employee on a job site.

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For immediate release:

Robert Quigley

770-528-2480