Thread: DL-Latino issues addressed by candidates

Latino issues addressed by candidates

By Summer Harlow • The News Journal • August 1, 2008


DOVER -- Touting business development, safer streets, equality, and even education for undocumented immigrant students, three of Delaware's four gubernatorial candidates Wednesday night attempted to woo the state's fastest growing population: Latinos.


About 200 people listened -- some with simultaneous interpretation from English to Spanish -- to Lt. Gov. John Carney Jr., State Treasurer Jack Markell and airline pilot Mike Protack explain their vision for a more inclusive, less discriminatory state. Wednesday's debate at Dover Downs, sponsored by advocacy organization La Esperanza in Georgetown, Voices Without Borders and the Latin American Community Center in Wilmington, was the state's first to be focused on Latino issues.

More than 56,000 Latinos call the First State home, making up about 6.5 percent of the population, according to U.S. census data.

Calling the evening a historic moment, moderator Havidan Rodriguez, vice provost of academic affairs at the University of Delaware, said the debate comes at a time when Latinos are "changing the face of America. ... Let's learn how we can work together to enhance the voice, visibility and contributions of Hispanics and other people of color in the state of Delaware."

Carney and Markell, who again traded swipes about campaign funding and talk over action, will face off in the Democratic primary. Protack and retired Superior Court Judge Bill Lee will battle on the Republican ballot. Protack chided Lee, who has said he will not attend any debates until after the primaries, accusing him of "not caring enough" about Latino voters.

All three candidates spoke about the need to ensure a good education for all students, agreeing that children of undocumented immigrants, even if they are living here illegally, should not be denied access to school. They also said they would support legislation allowing undocumented immigrants who grew up in Delaware and attend Delaware schools to pay in-state tuition at Delaware's universities.

While Democrats Carney and Markell both spoke about the need for more resources for English Language Learner programs in the schools, Protack called for an English-immersion method.

All said the current 50 percent drop-out rate among Delaware's Latino students was unacceptable.

While none of the candidates said he would support driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants, all said they would not tolerate immigrant-bashing. They also said it is not up to places like Elsmere, which have tried to pass local ordinances, to address illegal immigration.

http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dl ... 10310/1002

Well, isn't that special? 50% percent dropout rate from HS before graduation needs more taxpayer dollars to solve this problem, I am sure. And what is the dropout rate for American citizens who see there is no future for them as the illegals will take a job cheaper than they could so why waste time in school?