Steven Nelson, chairman of Wake County GOP Men's Club, is defending the husband of Wake County school board candidate Heather Losurdo amid questions about his guilty plea for hiring illegal immigrants.
In the September issue of the club's newsletter e-mailed this week, Nelson complained that the "left" had targeted Losurdo by not telling the full story about her husband's case. He said he wanted to give more details because "the truth will destroy their ability to use this smear."
Heather Losurdo said she didn't know ahead of time that Nelson would be mentioning her husband's case. But she said her husband was a victim of corrupt business practices who was caught in a difficult situation.
"He got caught between big business and big government," Losurdo said in an interview this morning. "We feel glad that he was able to help the prosecution."
In a nutshell, this January U.S. Department of Justice press release indicates that "on March 28, 2007, Craig Losurdo, an Assistant General Manager of the Albany plant (of IFCO Systems), pled guilty to unlawful employment of illegal aliens." That was a misdemeanor.
IFCO is the is the largest pallet management services company in the United States. The company agreed to pay a $20.7 million federal settlement agreement "for conduct associated with the hiring and employment of illegal alien workers." Several IFCO managers entered guilty pleas.
Here's how Nelson described what happened in the "chairman's rant" section of the newsletter:
"One of the areas where one of our candidates has been targeted is Heather Losurdo and her husband. Of course, the left will not give the whole story, but it came out this week that her husband has been charged with a felony and is awaiting sentencing. Of course, they would love to leave it at that, as the truth will destroy their ability to use this smear. The truth, so you can tell others, is simple. Her husband worked for a company in the northeast that had been hiring illegals. When Craig learned of this practice and the company's decision not to change this practice, he resigned from the company. After he left the company, the feds came after him and arrested him. However, he turned states evidence and due to his assistance, they were able to prosecute the true perpetrators of this crime. He plead guilty to a misdemeanor. He is awaiting sentencing per the plea arrangement. If he keeps his nose clean for another year, his record will be expunged."
According to this 2007 Business Review article:
"The investigation targeted supervisors who knowingly hired illegal aliens. For instance, during the time Losurdo worked at the Guilderland plant, from October 2004 to June 2005, he admitted in court he knowingly accepted fraudulent documents to hire at least 13 Hispanic illegal aliens. Several times he hired people who had no valid identification.
Among his crimes, Losurdo admitted to filling out federal employment verification forms for workers, falsely attesting they were authorized to work in the U.S.; working with other managers to manipulate paperwork; signing leases to house the workers and, with other plant managers, provide them with transportation to work; and writing a $500 company check to help one pallet worker get his father across the border from Mexico to work at the Guilderland plant.
In carrying out these and other acts, Losurdo said he was trained to do so by supervisors. Losurdo quit his job in June 2005 because he objected to the company's practices."
Heather Losurdo said that her husband wanted to leave the job when his supervisors told him to do those illegal practices. But she said as the sole income in a house with young children he couldn't just quit immediately. He left after eight months.
"He did what they told him to do," Heather Losurdo said. "He got caught in the middle."
Rumors about her husband's case have been floating out there for awhile. But it got on the record when Nelson responded in the newsletter to anonymous comments posted earlier in the week on the WakeED blog.
"We knew it was going to come out at some point," Losurdo said. "It's not something we're trying to hide."
It's been a rough week for Losurdo. You had the Wake Schools Community Alliance going after her. Then you had Progress NC Action launching a website attacking her. Now she's explaining to supporters what happened in her husband's case.
"I don't think it will have any impact on my campaign or my ability to lead," Losurdo said.
Comments
She's not getting my vote
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 21:12 — saragalazinShe's not getting my vote either. I don't want these people running our school system.
We (parents) should be concerned...
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 10:50 — paulastamSo it seems Heather L uses profanity on her Facebook page, jokes about the Prez being a "skunk" and has a husband that has been involved in VERY questionable workplace practices. It is not at all unreasonable to question if this is someone that should be hiring and firing our teachers and setting policies for our kids' classrooms!
Paula, "Independent, Fair & Speaking Up for MY Kids."
Facebook
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 10:58 — starsonoursYou are right we should be looking at her Facebook activities. Does she abuse her animals on Farmville? What is the health department rating of her kitchen in Cafe World? I hear she plays Mafia Wars...Can you really vote for someone who pretends to commit illegal activities?
She Has MINE!
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 08:47 — Jeff_morseAnd MANY MANY Others!!! Losurdo is the ONLY one that can send Hill to the Bench. That is Why the HATE groups are attacking her. Always attack the Front runner. Go get them Heather!!!!!!
UH, JEFFY....
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 11:17 — ClearThinker....why is it that EVERY TIME someone digs up THE TRUTH about a right-wing racist TEA PARTY REPUBLICAN (TPR), they're "attacking" somebody, but when TPRs literally MAKE UP STUFF about folks they don't like, it's seen as "Fox News fair"?
Heather Losurdo wants to serve. That means the people have the right to evaluate her fitness for service...in this case serving our children.
Thus far, she's shown NOTHING since her stint in the military that proves Losurdo has the moral fiber, dignity...and yes, MATURITY, to be a respected, skilled and evenhanded public official in our great county.
To knowingly elect someone with a "trailer-trash" attitude to OUR school board ONCE AGAIN is a mistake we cannot afford!
VOTE NO TO LOSURDO by Oct. 11th!
More lies, more hate...
Mon, 09/26/2011 - 08:27 — woodstockMore lies, more hate... maybe that should be the Democrats new tag line. And, you have the audacity to talk about character? Too funny.
The voters of Wake County are way smarter than you left-wing nuts give them credit for.
Seems to me that she's the
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 09:40 — virginiadareSeems to me that she's the one who hates, poor people and black people and undocumented workers. Tell me, do you condone humor that Mrs. Losurdo seems to find amusing that uses a little girl making an obscene gesture and vulgar language to make a political statement about our president? It seems especially inappropriate for a school board candidate, even if she didn't know she was going to be a school board candidate at the time, and speaks volumes about her character.
Darn you have discovered her
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 09:51 — starsonoursDarn you have discovered her true beliefs from how she responds on Facebook? I heard she also liked the "kitten sneezes" post, what does that say about her?
Choices
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 20:52 — SDR256Facebook is called social media for a reason. Your social persona, goals and demons do have a pesky way of showing up there, in spite of yourself. A lot of people - in my world mostly women - who use facebook frequently have become used to making very subtle, conscious choices about what they 'like' what they post and who they friend or do not friend. We do this because we know that - good or bad - it will reflect to our friends something about us. So, sorry starsonours - don't belittle the whole FB debacle. Heather unfriended me, but if we were still 'just friends' I might find her posts, or any of my friends posts objectionable or stupid, but really would mean nothing. Anyone can have a miserable day.
However, the big difference in this case is that, as a public figure - sorry - it does mean something. It means a peek behind the curtain.
Don't trivialize the whole thing by making fun of the 'little choices' people make or the games they play there. Its phenomenally popular because it us such a powerful lens into people's characters - the core of the 'social' concept.
I find it very trivial to
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 22:13 — starsonoursI find it very trivial to think you can get the true character by being a voyeur looking into some ones life through the "powerful lens" of facebook. Public figure or not it is overly simplistic to think you know some one by looking at a couple of comments they make on facebook.
character
Mon, 09/26/2011 - 00:27 — SDR256no, not their full character. I never implied that. Only that you can get to know some things. And for those who are not subtle and careful, unfortunately too much is shared.
Know, one false step is ne'er retrieved
And be with caution bold.
Not all that tempts your wandering eyes
And heedless hearts, is lawful prize;
Nor all that glisters, gold.
Translation: Don't trust
Mon, 09/26/2011 - 02:21 — jeffrey1Translation: Don't trust Losurdo any further than you could throw a dead cat.
Lol!
Mon, 09/26/2011 - 19:32 — SDR256:)
Of course you are a rabid,
Mon, 09/26/2011 - 08:23 — woodstockOf course you are a rabid, foaming at the mouth supporter of Mansfielder who will say anything, so your assessment is... shall we say, a bit biased. Good thing she doesn't play politics. LOL
LOL. Somebody did not get
Mon, 09/26/2011 - 10:32 — jeffrey1LOL. Somebody did not get the joke??? Somebody must not have received a well rounded education.
Oh wait its Woody, what did I expect.
You've got 5 minutes to figure it out. Don't reply until you "get it." Google is your friend.
Don't go quiting your day
Mon, 09/26/2011 - 11:03 — woodstockDon't go quiting your day job.
Deal. Don't go getting smart
Mon, 09/26/2011 - 11:24 — jeffrey1Deal. Don't go getting smart on me.
Sorry, too late.
Mon, 09/26/2011 - 11:36 — woodstockSorry, too late.
The jury's still out.
Mon, 09/26/2011 - 12:42 — jeffrey1The jury's still out.
Well, your meandering,
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 09:50 — woodstockWell, your meandering, nonsensical rant does not make much sense, but its tone is certainly revealing a lot about your character... or lack thereof. Thanks -- I guess -- for the glimpse into the mind of a hopelessly troubled and desperate soul. Your pitiful need to lie and mischaracterize is just so pathetic; I actually feel sorry for you.
Marginalizing
Mon, 09/26/2011 - 19:41 — SDR256It's just that kind of intensionally obtuse, toxic response that negates any valid opinion you might have and rubs off on the reputation of your candidate. You're not doing Heather any favors by being so extreme.
Did I use too many big words for you? Public officials should at least try to be smarter than the average person about social media. Social & public skills are important because it's what we're expecting they'll be good at. A big mistake like this IMHO makes her look less well equipped than most average FB users.
Character?
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 10:57 — YouvegottobekiddingWhat a joke. You continue to support a candidate whose only qualification for school board is she is Republican and a rubber stamp for Ron Margiotta despite her family profiting from activity you find abhorent.
There is no lie or mischaractization to the fact that he pleaded guilty in federal court to hiring illegals, altering documents to cover it up, and no lie that she was supported by those ill gotten gains, yet contines to hypocritically complain about illegal immigrants.
Talk about lack of character. Troubled and desperate soul? Your name calling, bullying, lieing, and general dickishness demonstrates you to be just that.
I feel sorry for everyone else who has to encounter you.
As I a said before, it is
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 12:52 — woodstockAs I a said before, it is music to my ears that Democrats are in support of cracking down on illegal immigrants and the employers who hire them. Amen, brotha'!! I don't know where you've been, but I'm glad you are on-board now. And I agree with you that Mr. Losurdo is a man of integrity who did the right thing by resigning and testify against his former employer.
Did you say "dickishness?" Uh oh, that sounds a lot like profanity. You better think twice before you ever run for office or work around children... this will be a stain on your character ad infinitum. LMAO (oops, more "profanity")
SINCE...
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 15:15 — ClearThinker...you're in the market for profanity, Woodsy, let's go all the way:
TEDESCO, MARGIOTTA, MALONE, PRICKETT, GOLDMAN, WILLIAMS, MATSON, PEYTON AND LOSURDO!
Such language should NEVER be used around our precious children AGAIN!
(Oh, I forgot you and Agent Pierce)!
Thanks for giving us yet
Mon, 09/26/2011 - 08:31 — woodstockThanks for giving us yet another look into your character and what you stand for. It helps put your outrageously ignorant and irresponsible comments into perspective.
Shame on you
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 21:00 — SDR256That is not helpful or constructive for the children of this county. You may disagree with the respresentatives or candidates there but they are are good citizens who have offered to donate their time to our school issues, as have HILL, SUTTON, MCLAURIN and MORRISON. God bless them all. Its a terribly hard job and I would never be brave enough to even try.
Really. I disagree vehemently sometimes, but the way some of you post with personal attacks is just the pits. Very bad example for our children.
Right on! Losurdo is
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 09:35 — woodstockRight on! Losurdo is obviously going to win and, judging from stench of desperation rising up from the opposition, it's driving them batty.
Denial is not a river
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 09:00 — YouvegottobekiddingSo you prefer a woman who moved here after her husband plead guilty to a Federal offense, has criticized illegal immigration while profiting from it because her husband hired them, altered documents to cover it up cheating tax payers over a man who has given over three decades of service to Wake County schools as a teacher, principal and board member.
Way to stick to your principles.
There are two other candidates running against Mr. Hill who are not so obviously tainted as Ms. Losurdo.
Isn't democracy a wonderful
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 09:19 — starsonoursIsn't democracy a wonderful thing. You can vote for who ever you want for what ever reason you want and don't have to explain why to anyone...If you don't want to vote for Mrs. Losurdo because her maternal great grandmother was left handed or her 3rd cousin twice removed tore the tag off a mattress in clear violation of federal law, that is your decision. Others prefer to vote for candidates based on thier actions and beliefs instead of who they are related to. If her husband was convicted of murder, what relevance would that have on her running for office?
DEPENDS...
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 15:22 — ClearThinker...on whether Heather Losurdo knew about the crime during the time he was committing it, and approved of it, instead of encouraging him to to the right thing and find another job! Don't forget, this woman served in the US military. She was trained to uphold justice, not ignore it or encourage it.
I say she reaped the benefits of her hubby's ill-gotten criminal gain per his salary to do what he was trained.
That's enough for me!
I would ask for some
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 22:20 — KeungHui (author)I would ask for some circumspection before speculating on whether a person has committed a crime.
I think I will wait to see
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 15:40 — starsonoursI think I will wait to see if she is charged as a co-conspirator instead of tossing out accusations. I will also see if the Fed's ask her to forfeit any of his salary and say it his salary was considered illegal profits.
It matters because she
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 09:39 — YouvegottobekiddingIt matters because she continues to bash illegal immigration after profiting from it. Isn't that the hypocrisy that conservatives and tea partiers always complain about.
Profiting from it? If this
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 09:48 — starsonoursProfiting from it? If this is true then if you have ever bought a product or a service from a company that had an illegal worker, you are also guilty of profiting from illegal immigration. You had better check, you may be a hypocrite...
OT--anybody else get the
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 17:09 — DrActualFactualOT--anybody else get the Susan Evans piece of crap flier on how she will "protect" Wake County schools accreditation? Not sure how she thinks she will keep Rev. Barber from filing complaints---it's what he does. She couldn't keep him from doing it earlier during this board's term or she condoned it; and since she was part of the Dulaney/Millberg NAACP/GSIW group that toured local black churchs with their "fight back" message; I'm thinking she condones it. Perhaps if their group wasn't so willing to "risk it" in the first place we wouldn't be where we are today. Frankly Susan, we don't need your kind of "protection."
Dr. Actual Clueless
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 21:24 — YouvegottobekiddingIt wouldn't matter how many complaints Rev. Barber filed if Board lived up to their own Ethics and Govetning policies. That is why accredidation was in jeopardy. This Board has consistently made decisons based on poltitics not facts and data. That is why accrediation was in jeapordy.
How lame for this Board to recklessly risk students future to try and prove they are right in the face of mountains of evididence that they, like Dr. Actual Clueless, are clueless..
My point is that one
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 12:46 — DrActualFactualMy point is that one individual person can't ensure good governance for 9 separate votes--if so, Hill (former chair) McLaurin and the two appointees Morrison, Sutton should have been able to do so currently. They couldn't deliver the outcome of good overall board governance and practices or they would have. So, my question is, how can Ms. Evans do so, (IMO no one individual person can, it only comes from an entire board collectively agreeing to follow specific governance practices and carrying that agreement through to fruition.)
You've been posting for a
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 21:35 — woodstockYou've been posting for a grand and total of about 7 hours and you have already embarrassed yourself. What are you talking about?! Accreditation was never in jeopardy. Please check your facts before posting again. We have standards here.
Huh Woodstock?
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 12:51 — paulastamTime posting in this forum is irrelevant - you're in here 24/7 and you have ZERO credibility because of the nonsense you spew and constant name calling...
Paula, "Independent, Fair & Speaking Up for MY Kids."
I have to earn my keep,
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 13:01 — woodstockI have to earn my keep, don't you know. The bags of money from Art Pope and the Koch brothers don't show up just because of my good looks.
Prove it Woody!
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 13:18 — paulastamWoodstock, since the "truth" is so frequently twisted in your case, please share a photo so we can be the judge of your "good looks"! LOL
Paula, "Independent, Fair & Speaking Up for MY Kids."
I'd love to, but it would
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 13:35 — woodstockI'd love to, but it would dilute the brand to give it away for free when others pay top dollar. Sorry.
LOL
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 12:54 — starsonoursNow that is funny. Many people would say the same applies to Paulastam...
On the subject of credibility...
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 13:14 — paulastam"Starsonours", I'm not the one that is repeatedly condoning/downplaying/defending online profanity, racially charged humor, and illegal workplace practices...that would be YOU it seems based on your numerous postings on the issue! :)
Paula, "Independent, Fair & Speaking Up for MY Kids."
Well if you want my
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 13:45 — starsonoursWell if you want my opinionon those subjects I will give it to you, I don't judge people based on thier facebook post. If she wants to use profanity so be it, I am sure you have never uttered an profane word, but am willing to admit that I have in the past and will do so again in the future. The joke has been deemed it racially charged humor by you, others don't see it as that. I do not condone illegal workplace practices and believe in judging people based on thier action not the actions of relatives. I post my opinions and leave it as an opinion and do not make up things and say they are facts. Can you say you do the same?
Liar!
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 21:38 — YouvegottobekiddingAcredidation was absolutely in jeapordy because the Board Majority wiped their backsides with their own oath of office and ethics policy.
You are a sad, pathetic, clueless liar, and anyone who has looked at this blog more than 5 minutes knows it.
My, my, my, such anger. And,
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 21:48 — woodstockMy, my, my, such anger. And, I am not a liar. Accreditation was never in jeopardy and everyone knows it, even you if you were honest. There was a politically motivated witch hunt that fizzled out impotently once the perpetrators discovered folks were on to them. That's all, nothing more.
LOL, such anger?
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 21:53 — YouvegottobekiddingYou have consistently been the angriest a$$ on this blog for years. Again, I'm stating the obvious.
You've misinterpreted. I
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 22:00 — woodstockYou've misinterpreted. I don't get angry, I just make left-wing radicals angry on occasion. You are a case in point.
You're talking about a flier
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 18:06 — KeungHui (author)You're talking about a flier sent by a 527 group, not Evans. I'll be posting on it shortly.