Meeting his critics
Cresitello speaks to pro-immigrant group

May 2, 2009

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From Drew to Yale to St. Margaret's Church -- that's been part of the circuit for Morristown Mayor Donald Cresitello when it comes to talking about illegal immigration.
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After recently taking part in a symposium at Yale University, Cresitello is scheduled to speak today at a forum sponsored by Wind of the Spirit, a group that aims to help immigrants regardless of legal status. The forum is set for 10 a.m. at St. Margaret's Church on Sussex Avenue.

Cresitello and Wind of the Spirit officials have met before. In July 2007, the mayor was on the dais at an anti-illegal immigration rally outside town hall when Diana Mejia, a co-founder of the group, and others tried to storm the podium. (Police had been trying to keep protesters across the street). Mejia was stopped by police and dragged away.

At issue has been the mayor's intention to take part in a federal program that would allow town police to enforce federal immigration law in regard to those suspected of illegally being in the country. Critics say that could encourage the general harassment of Hispanics.

Cresitello says he wants people to realize that the program is not intended to "take people off the street willy-nilly," but to remove felons.

He added, "I think when people understand that it's going to make them safer, they will support it." Maybe.

Still, we like the mayor's willingness to speak to his critics. It should be a lively meeting.
http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/2009 ... is+critics