http://www.timesleader.com/mld/timesleader/15036165.htm

Posted on Fri, Jul. 14, 2006

Mayor Barletta reaping media coverage that spans the globe
Even The New York Times has written a story about how he is influencing a mayor in Florida.
By KALEN CHURCHER
Times Leader Correspondent

HAZLETON – His Web site is called “small town defenders,” but Mayor Lou Barletta has become a big time celebrity since he began his push to drive illegal immigrants out of Hazleton.

For one Floridian, the mayor’s words have been almost prophetic.

“It was almost as if I was sitting in church at a revival and he was preaching to me,” Avon Park Mayor Tom Macklin told The New York Times in a story published Monday after hearing Barletta promote the city’s Illegal Immigration Relief Act on a radio show.

“If we address the housing issue – make it as difficult as possible for illegals to find safe haven in Avon Park – then they are going to have to find someplace else to go,” Macklin added.

Monday marked Barletta’s second appearance in The New York Times in as many weeks.

Macklin has been in contact with Barletta and plans to copy the new ordinance. Tallassee, Ala., Mayor Bob Payne also requested a copy of the ordinance, which prompted the creation of www.smalltowndefenders.com.

“I never believed (the act) would go beyond the city of Hazleton,” Barletta said, estimating he has received more than 8,000 e-mails – most supportive – since initiating the act. “It was really born out of frustration, a problem in the city.

“I believe there will be a domino effect across the nation.”

Since introducing the act in June, Barletta has become a star among national and international media outlets. In addition to The New York Times, the mayor has been interviewed by Time magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Bill O’Reilly of “The O’Reilly Factor” and CNN’s Lou Dobbs.

He has been featured in Canadian and Argentine newspapers and on network newscasts as well as Telemundo and mtv.com. Many blogs also have been quick to laud and chastise Barletta.

Thursday night’s vote meant more publicity for the mayor, with national media, including Newsday and CNN, again present at City Hall.

Barletta admits the coverage has been daunting at times; he has been accused of bigotry and racism. However, he looks back on the experience as being gratifying.

“I now realize the frustration I’ve been feeling in Hazleton, a good number of Americans were feeling the same thing – that something similar could be done (in their own communities).

“I’m learning how illegal immigration affects people.”