N.M. Mayor changes mind on AZ. law

[JohnDoe2]

Mayor changes mind on Ariz. law

By Steve Ramirez sramirez@lcsun-news.com
Posted: 05/11/2010 11:09:25 PM MDT

LAS CRUCES -- A change of heart by Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima because of changes made to an Arizona law aimed at curbing illegal immigration now means that a proposed City Council resolution denouncing Arizona's actions has been withdrawn.

That has prompted mixed reactions among some Las Crucens about the highly controversial and emotional issue that has caused public demonstrations and adoption of similar resolutions across the United States.

"I'm disappointed the mayor didn't go through with it," Lalo Burciaga said. "They might've changed the law, but what's to say that they don't go ahead with all that racial stuff everybody's upset about. Arizona seemed to make it pretty clear to a lot of people that they're to get anybody they can get their hands on. I still say it's wrong."

But Rhonda Sifuentes doesn't have that impression at all.

"What don't people understand? It never was about racial profiling, it was about illegal immigration," she said. "If someone has the proper documentation, as they should, then they've got nothing to worry about. If there's going to be a resolution, we should be doing one just like Arizona's. That will keep the illegals out."

Miyagishima said he was informed of the change in Arizona law early Monday.

After reading a copy of Arizona House Bill 2162, Miyagishima said he no longer had concerns about the law.
The House bill was signed by Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and amended several sections of Arizona Senate Bill 1070.

"I am proud that the Arizona Legislature has listened carefully to everyone's concerns, and, in a gesture of statesmanship, acted swiftly and appropriately to lay to rest questions over the possibility of racial profiling," said Brewer in a prepared statement. "Arizona is acting responsibly to address a border security crisis that is not of our making. The federal government's failure requires us to act to protect our citizens, and we are doing just that."

Of the changes made in the Arizona law, Miyagishima specifically pointed to a provision that clarified that any municipal, county or state law enforcement officer in Arizona who makes a lawful stop and has reasonable suspicion can have a person detained until a records check can be conducted to verify their identity and residence.

"That's a little stricter than what we have in effect, but it's essentially the same," Miyagishima said. "That wasn't something I read in the original bill. The House bill addressed a lot of my concerns."

Miyagishima said an e-mail from interim City Attorney Harry "Pete" Connelly, alerted him of the change in the Arizona law. Miyagishima said he became aware of Connelly's e-mail early Monday.

"Now that I have this, I'm actually OK with it," Miyagishima said. He also acknowledged that some residents might believe he gave in to critics who were upset that he proposed the resolution in the first place.

"Good government consists of listening to both sides and being fair," he said.

But if the changes to the law had not been made, Miyagishima was just as convinced he would have gone forward with the resolution.

"I have to do what's right," Miyagishima said.

Steve Ramirez can be reached at (575) 541-5452.

http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_15066723

[SicNTiredInSoCal]

After reading a copy of Arizona House Bill 2162, Miyagishima said he no longer had concerns about the law.

You mean another politician actually READ the bill!?! Shocking!