Thread: VA: Immigration commission taps mayor

07/02/2007
Immigration commission taps mayor


The state wants action on illegal immigration, and they have a commission designed to study the issue.
So far, Culpeper Mayor Pranas Rimeikis, 55, is the commission's first and only member.


"We don't really know who's illegal," Rimeikis said. "We make the assumption that everyone at the day labor site is illegal, which makes no sense to me. The issue is bigger than that, it's bigger than a handful of people standing around looking for work.

The commission stems from legislation passed by Delegate Bob Marshall of Prince William County. Rimeikis expressed interest from the outset, and got the post with backing from Delegate Ed Scott and Senator Edd Houck.

The mayor said the commission would provide an opportunity to find solutions - and understand the scope of the problem.

"Most of what we've heard so far is from people who have already decided what the solutions will be," Rimeikis said. "As far as I'm concerned, most of the legal solutions are kind of extra-legal in nature."

The retired Green Beret said that his unique experiences as an immigrant and mayor would help him on the commission. Rimeikis immigrated to the country from Germany as a child.

"I'm an elected official in town, and can see the problem of illegal immigration and the impact is has on the local community. There's the official side, and then the personal side. Hopefully the two can come together and understand it a little better."

Illegal immigration has thrust Culpeper into the national spotlight, with feature pieces in the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Washington Post.

Town councilman Steve Jenkins has led a campaign for more stringent measures, similar to the ones enacted in Hazelton Pa., including a ban on illegal immigrants and making English the officials language.

He also advocated Immigrant Customs and Enforcement (ICE) training for police officers. Such training would allow local law enforcement to handle illegal immigrants who commit serious crimes.

Rimekis referred to ICE as a "waste of time."

"Immigration is only interested in the serious criminal element of the illegals - drug traffickers, human traffickers, potential terrorists - that sort of stuff," Rimeikis said. "They're not interested in day laborers. We don't have a multitude of felonious illegals here."

The commission would likely comprise 20 people, said Rimekis. The first meeting could come as early as July.

Rimeikis was first elected in 2002. He is currently in his second term.

"I haven't really been watching what was going on there with the Feds, because I figured it was going to take a whole lot longer than just weeks of debate," Rimeikis said of the Senate failed immigration bill. "But where's the middle ground?"

- Jason Peck

http://www.timescommunity.com/site/tab9 ... 9538&rfi=6

Mayor Pranas Rimeikis sounds like he's on the right track.

pjr40 wrote:

Mayor Pranas Rimeikis sounds like he's on the right track.

That's not exactly how I interpreted what he was saying. Souded like he was looking for an some sort of epiphany to me. The big answer isn't always going to fall from the sky and knock you in the head. Some times you have to start small and work your way up. Dealing with the day labor site may not be a bad beginning. It's my guess a majority of those folks are illegal immigrants. IMHO, all day labor sites within town or city limits should have a labor site manager on location. That manager could be responsible for checking documents to ensure all employment seekers are citizens of the city, town, or county. To be a legal citizen of the city, town, or county, you'd also have to be a citizen of the United States. Furthermore, you're not profiling if you check everyone.

I live in Culpeper. Mayor Remeikis is actually a bleeding-heart pro-illegal.

He will do nothing to stem the illegal alien problem - ANYWHERE!

He resisted/lambasted 287g training in Culpeper, and called everyone in the town against illegal immgration xenophobes. He even issued an "apology" letter to the citizens after his "xenophobe" remark. Classy

He ignores illegal immigration in my town. Some say Mayor McAmnesty spends his time hiding out in his garage playing woodshop and at the local pub.

Houck voted for in-state tuition for illegal aliens. Scott has done NOTHING to stop illegal immigration.

Read Remeikis' statements VERY closely.

"We don't really know who's illegal," Rimeikis said. "We make the assumption that everyone at the day labor site is illegal, which makes no sense to me. The issue is bigger than that, it's bigger than a handful of people standing around looking for work."


"Most of what we've heard so far is from people who have already decided what the solutions will be," Rimeikis said. "As far as I'm concerned, most of the legal solutions are kind of extra-legal in nature."

Those who appointed him are also pro-illegal immigration. This is a commission appointment where the personal opinions will govern results.

BLAH!