Thread: Aliens top list of woes

SPRINGDALE : Aliens tops list of woes at forum
BY RICHARD MASSEY

Posted on Friday, September 19, 2008

Email this story | Printer-friendly version

SPRINGDALE — The sextet of candidates vying for the mayor’s seat talked Thursday about the city’s problems — illegal immigration, the economy and the future — and how their leadership might be the solution.

In the first forum for those seeking the city’s highest post, Alderman Jim Reed, Alderman Mike Overton, former Alderman Ray Dotson, political newcomer Nancy Deason Jenkins, businessman Doug Sprouse and former assistant police chief Ken Watson fielded questions submitted by residents.

Hosted by the Washington County Republican Women, the panel also featured Fayetteville’s six mayoral candidates.

The Springdale contingent first discussed the rise of gangs, a development reported on many occasions by the Police Department.

Seeing the problem as an outgrowth of the Hispanic community, the candidates said the city needs to work closely with 287 (g ), a program that trains local police authorities to enforce federal immigration laws.

Reed said the department needs more officers in the program. Springdale has three officers enlisted in 287 (g ).

Dotson said he has battled against gang graffiti at his office on East Emma Avenue. In response to the gang signs, he commissioned a mural along the west wall of his building.

The candidates adamantly agreed the city, like the nation, does not have a handle on the illegal Hispanic population. A study issued last year said just more than 50 percent of the Arkansas Hispanic population is here illegally. Springdale has one of the state’s largest Hispanic populations.

Overton urged caution, saying Springdale has no business trying to pass local laws to drive out illegal aliens.

“We have to be careful about enacting an ordinance that will put us in the Supreme Court,â€

The candidates adamantly agreed the city, like the nation, does not have a handle on the illegal Hispanic population. A study issued last year said just more than 50 percent of the Arkansas Hispanic population is here illegally. Springdale has one of the state’s largest Hispanic populations.

How can you handle an invasion when everyones hands are tied except the illegals?