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Mayor crossing border for broader view
Mexico - Hillsboro's Tom Hughes is invited to take a trip to learn about culture and commerce
Friday, July 28, 2006
ESMERALDA BERMUDEZ
The Oregonian
HILLSBORO -- Mayor Tom Hughes will travel to Mexico City next week to meet with government officials and discuss issues that Mexican nationals face in the United States.

The Mexican government invited Hughes to attend the annual conference that will involve more than 30 elected officials, including mayors and state legislators, from at least 13 states. The mayor will be the only official representing Oregon. The Mexican Consulate's office in Portland asked him to attend, and the Mexican government will cover his expenses.

Hughes was chosen because Hillsboro includes a significant and rapidly growing Mexican population, said Fernando Sanchez Ugarte, Consul General of Mexico in Portland. Of Hillsboro's population of about 82,000, about 22 percent is Latino.

"It's important for me to know what needs are out there," Hughes said. "We'd like to partner up with the Mexican Consulate and learn what services they offer so everyone in the community can enjoy what they get from government."

The meeting, consisting of a visit with Mexican President Vicente Fox, panel discussions, speeches and tours, will offer Hughes a chance to meet Mexican leaders, learn about Mexico's efforts to improve its economy and become more familiar with the culture.

The conference's agenda does not specifically address immigration, but elected officials will be able to raise the issue if they wish.

The meeting will begin Monday.

Discussions will include officials from a variety of agencies including Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Institute of Mexicans Abroad and the Alliance for the Security and Prosperity in North America, an initiative aimed at fostering cooperation among Mexico, the United States and Canada.

"There isn't any formal compromise involved," Sanchez said. "This gives us a chance to exchange experiences and get to know our communities."

This is the third year Oregon has been asked to participate in the four-day event. In 2004, state Rep. Billy Dalto, R-Salem, attended the conference, and in 2005, Oregon School Superintendent Susan Castillo was scheduled to attend but canceled because of other work commitments.

At the conference, Hughes said, he wants to learn how the 12-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement -- which expanded trade among Canada, the United States and Mexico -- is affecting Mexico's economy. Hughes said he wants to know what efforts Mexican officials are making to use NAFTA as a tool to improve the economy, and in turn, dissuade Mexicans from illegally fleeing to the United States in search of work.

He said he plans to discuss what he learns at the conference with officials from the police department and Hillsboro School District.

Hughes also wants to talk to Mexican leaders about finding a sister city for Hillsboro to link up with in Mexico. The city now has a partnership with Fukuroi, Japan.

Esmeralda Bermudez: 503-221-4388; ebermudez@news.oregonian.com