Following the pace of other government bodies in the Bay Area,
the Santa Clara Valley Water District board of directors took
action to ensure that district employees
”
are not subjected to unfair treatment due to Arizona’s
immigration-related laws SB 1070 and HB 2162.
Water district scales back opinion on Arizona immigration law
San Jose
Following the pace of other government bodies in the Bay Area, the Santa Clara Valley Water District board of directors took action to ensure that district employees “are not subjected to unfair treatment due to Arizona’s immigration-related laws SB 1070 and HB 2162.
Many at the meeting Tuesday questioned what relevance Arizona’s immigration law has to Santa Clara County’s water needs.
“The answer is simple: We value our staff and diverse workforce,” Board Chair Richard Santos said.
Before the board voted Tuesday, the motion by Santos included boycotting any business done with Arizona companies, but that was struck down. Instead, the district will not use its funds for employee travel to Arizona, “unless critical to the mission of the district.”
“I just cannot believe the water board. Why? What’s California got to do with Arizona?” Morgan Hill resident Burt Joseph said. “I think they ought to be quiet and take care of their palace over there.”
“I’m just outraged and I think it oughta be ‘Why?'” Joseph said.
“In our resolution, we also urge the U.S. Congress and the president to address outstanding immigration issues. Without immigration reform, the Arizona brand of divisive law could be enacted in other states,” Santos said.
