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08-23-2006, 03:01 AM #1
Arcadia Mayor takes stand on illegal migrants
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=486944
Mayor takes stand on illegal migrants
Arcadia leader's promise to crack down is gaining attention, dividing town
By GEORGIA PABST
gpabst@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Aug. 22, 2006
Arcadia - A novice politician and tavern manager who became mayor four months ago has generated a statewide buzz by promising to crack down on illegal immigrants in this Trempealeau County town, whose two big-name employers are welcoming an increasing number of Latino employees.
In a letter in the local newspaper this month, John Kimmel, who runs the Detox Bar and Grill, said he would create an "illegal alien task force" to forward complaints to federal authorities, hold property owners accountable for renting to or allowing someone to live in the city illegally, make English the official language of Arcadia and regulate the flying of foreign flags.
"These measures will prohibit illegal immigration and establish penalties for those businesses that allow a person to work here illegally," he wrote. "If you employ illegal immigrants or rent to or house illegal immigrants, there will be consequences. They are not welcome here!"
The letter has stirred up this town of 2,400, where Latinos make up 3% of the population and are increasing in number, thanks to good jobs at Ashley Furniture Industries and Gold'n Plump chicken.
At the Kozy Kitchen café on Main St., where regulars gather for morning coffee, the issue divided the four men at the counter.
"It may be ill-advised, but he told the truth," said a white-haired retiree who refused to give his name.
"The whole issue has been distorted," said his friend, who also wouldn't give his name. Still, he said those coming here should fly the U.S. flag and speak English. But he conceded that Ashley and Gold'n Plump need the workers.
Mel Nelson, a retired high school teacher, disagreed with his buddies and said the 31-year-old mayor may have acted rashly.
"It's ridiculous," he said. "We don't have that authority. It's a national issue, and this just antagonizes people. We need to welcome them and get them involved in town activities."
Paul Halvorsen, who runs Halvorsen's Lumber Co., said Latinos are good customers, and he also disagrees with the mayor's ideas.
Kimmel has drawn attention far from Arcadia, especially after Latino activists and the American Civil Liberties Union sued officials in Hazelton, Pa., last week for passing a local ordinance aimed at blunting illegal immigration.
Kimmel said in an interview at City Hall that his ordinances won't be like those in Hazelton. He denied that he wants to enforce federal immigration laws, saying he just wants to provide local sanctions.
He said he was responding to complaints from constituents, and he seemed surprised by the reaction he's received, near and far.
"Locally, I've gotten more positive feedback than heat," he said.
Mary Bautch, who runs the Hideout tavern, is one of those supporters.
"So many Mexicans and Hondurans have moved here just in the last year and a half, and this will let them know that there will be questions asked," she said. "I'm sure once he studies everything, it will be all right, although the whole problem is a federal issue."
Still, there's plenty of criticism.
"Personally, I felt it was racism," said Mateo Barrientos, who runs a Mexican grocery store on Main St.
But he's puzzled. "I know the mayor, and I don't think he's a racist, but maybe he is, or maybe he has two faces," he said with a shrug.
A visit from lawyers
Barrientos and about 50 other residents, most of them Latino, met over the weekend to discuss Kimmel's proposal, which many say will stereotype Latinos and lead to profiling. Lawyers from Milwaukee, Madison and La Crosse showed up, along with Deborah Pattee, a member of the newly formed Human Rights Commission of Trempealeau County.
Kimmel was invited but said he had a previous engagement. He's promised to hold a town meeting where everyone can voice their concerns.
Luis Delgado, a La Crosse lawyer who attended the weekend gathering, called the mayor's proposals "fear mongering and racist for illegal or legal immigrants." It's also part of a national movement by local officials to deal with immigration, he said. "It needs to be stopped because it's illegal and immoral."
On Tuesday, Ashley Furniture and Gold'n Plump issued statements that cast doubt on whether Kimmel's ideas will move forward. Both companies said they have work verifications required by law for all employees.
"It is with sadness that we watch tensions rise in Arcadia, Wis., following Mayor Kimmel's column," said the Gold'n Plump statement. It continued: "We hope the community can find a peaceful and speedy resolution to this unfortunate situation."
The company employs 500 workers and for nearly five years has had more job openings than applicants.
Ashley, which employs 3,900 and has its world headquarters in Arcadia, would not disclose how many of its workers are Latino.
In its statement, Ashley said, "We are hopeful that Mayor Kimmel, the Arcadia Common Council and all persons affected by Mayor Kimmel's political statements will act reasonably, within all federal and state laws to achieve a result that fairly and honestly respects the rights of all persons who may be impacted by the mayor's comments."
Kimmel said he's not sure when he will present his proposed ordinances to the council and said people are jumping to conclusions.
"I wanted this to be an open discussion rather than to cause division," he said.
Father Michael Klos, pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church, said the mayor has backed away from "the unfortunate tone of the letter" because of the reaction it's drawn.
"We need to find ways to work together," Klos said.
Klos should know: For the last five years, he said he's been working to combine two parishes in town.
"They were started because the Poles and the Germans couldn't get along," he said.
From the Aug. 23, 2006 editions of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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08-23-2006, 08:13 AM #2Paul Halvorsen, who runs Halvorsen's Lumber Co., said Latinos are good customers, and he also disagrees with the mayor's ideas.REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER!
Biden may hand out green cards to 4,000 illegal migrants per year
03-28-2024, 01:54 PM in Videos about Illegal Immigration, refugee programs, globalism, & socialism