Jim Gerlach Ignores Concerns About Illegal Hiring Practices in his District

MEDIA RELEASE


Jim Gerlach Ignores Concerns About Illegal Hiring Practices in his District
No surprise, says Trivedi campaign, given Gerlach's long history with the company executives


ELVERSON, Pa - Yesterday, Manan Trivedi, Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District, called for a crackdown on all employers that break the law by hiring undocumented workers, and brought to light concerns about the hiring practices of a local company, Forcine Concrete and Construction. Unfortunately for Pennsylvanians living in the 6th District, instead of dealing directly with these concerns, Jim Gerlach dodged the subject with a statement from his campaign.

"Instead of taking this matter seriously, career politician Jim Gerlach and his campaign decided to try to distract the public from a complicated issue," Trivedi said. "This is exactly why so many people are frustrated with Washington politicians — they'd rather play games than take on the issues affecting our communities.

"Any company that aids undocumented workers in circumventing the legal and tax systems exacerbates an already-urgent problem by incentivizing more illegal immigration. The people of the 6th District have had enough of the games, and need someone who will acknowledge the problems in our own backyard and work to find solutions. But, ignoring the concerns of the people he is supposed to be representing has always been a hallmark of Jim Gerlach's career."

That Gerlach ignored the situation at Forcine came as no surprise to the Trivedi campaign, who cited the long-standing financial relationship between Gerlach and top executives at Forcine as a possible explanation for his refusal to address questions raised by the community about potential illegal hiring at a company headquartered in the district he is supposed to represent.

Since 2002, Forcine executives have given over $7,000 to Gerlach's campaigns — $6,350 to his congressional campaign and another $950 to his gubernatorial race in 2009. [OpenSecrets.org/FEC.gov, CampaignFinance.state.pa.us, accessed 7/28/10]

The Trivedi campaign pointed to these donations as a possible explanation as to why Jim Gerlach refused to request an in-depth investigation into very serious concerns from members of our community.


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