NEWS RELEASE
Office of Commissioner Liz Hausmann

MEDIA CONTACT: Edward Leidelmeijer
678-596-2924
edwardleidelmeijer@yahoo.co
www.lizhausmann.co

STATEMENT ON ICE RESOLUTION

September 4, 2014

Johns Creek, GA- The Fulton County Board of Commissioners took a vote yesterday on a resolution urging the Fulton County Sheriff to implement a policy to decline detainer requests from the United States Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

In other words, a resolution directing law enforcement on how to do their job.

As has happened often in the past, the Fulton BOC has once again taken a position on a matter that is not within the purview of the authority of the Board of Commissioners. In my opinion, this resolution falls into the category of politically motivated, feel good legislation in an election year that is outside of the authority of my duties as a county commissioner. As such, I chose not to participate in this vote and abstained. In retrospect, the proper vote should have been a NO vote.

At a time when Fulton County is facing financial crisis coupled with legal challenges to our authority to raise property taxes in an effort address that financial crisis, this type of legislation is a distraction that takes our attention away from the important financial matters facing Fulton County. This legislation carries no authority, and attempts to direct a duly elected Constitutional Officer on how to conduct the operations of the Fulton County Sheriff’s office. This legislation was presented and voted on without any input from the Sheriff. I find that totally inappropriate and outside of the authority of a county commissioner.

I trust that the Sheriff is conducting his operations in compliance with state and federal laws and I have confidence that he and his deputies will continue to operate with public safety as their number one priority. This includes cooperation with ICE.
Commissioner Liz Hausmann represents District 3, North Fulton on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.