Post Independent
Construction contractor says he's still hoping to hire guest workers
GLENNWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado -- Rick Valko has NBC to thank for getting him out of Michigan and into a good job and a new life in Glenwood Springs. On Dec. 26 Valko, 23, like millions of other viewers tuned into an NBC special TV show hosted by former news anchor Tom Brokaw about the national debate over illegal immigration.
The show focused on a Glenwood Springs contractor, Mark Gould, who spoke about his frustration at not being able to hire Americans to do the hand labor required to lay sewer pipe and sidewalks.
Gould relied on hiring Hispanic immigrants who jumped at the chance to make the $14 an hour he pays his laborers. Now, with new tighter immigration laws, Gould has to clear all workers through Homeland Security, which has hampered his ability to fill vacant positions.
After the TV show aired Gould received more than 600 phone calls and e-mails from people all over the country willing to relocate to work for him.
Posted by tyne at April 15, 2007