Thread: Anti-illegal immigration rally slated in Lakewood NJ

LAKEWOOD — The woman who struggled for months last year to hold an anti-illegal immigration rally, before finally pulling off an event in October, is now lining up a second protest in the spring.

Diane Reaves received approval from the Township Committee last week to hold the demonstration May 24 in Pine Park. She said she hopes for a better turnout than the event last year at Lake Carasaljo, which about 60 people attended.

"Let's try and make this event a memorable one with some serious numbers!" Reaves said in an e-mail to supporters.

She could not be reached by phone for comment Monday.

The days leading up to the first rally were fraught with setbacks. The event was initially scheduled for Aug. 25 at Town Square, but Reaves canceled after deciding there wouldn't be enough security.

Town and police officials were criticized by supporters for not supplying what they saw as sufficient protection. She was then rejected by the American Legion post in Lakewood and the Elks Lodge in Old Bridge before the township finally relented, saying the Police Department would provide more than the minimum security.

At the Oct. 20 rally, portions of North Lake Drive were blocked off, and 15 police officers were posted in and around the site, with Ocean County sheriff's officers on hand in the event extra help was needed.

"It's not something we necessarily want," Mayor Raymond Coles said of Lakewood hosting such a rally. "It inflames passions and what not. But it seemed like they had a nice, peaceful rally last time so we hope it'll be the same this time."

Coles said Police Chief Robert Lawson requested Pine Park as the venue because it was easier to manage security-wise. Lawson did not return a call for comment Monday.

Reaves had no objections this time around, saying in another e-mail: "Anything that makes it easier for our men and women in blue is just an added bonus."

Edward Koper, 55, of Jackson, who scoffed at Lakewood's hesitancy to provide security at the first rally, said the timing was right for another demonstration.

"It's an issue that's only going to gain importance with the election coming up," said the steel salesman, who has been a member of Americans for Immigration Control since 2002.

Reaves said she has already received an acceptance to speak at the May rally from Steve Lonegan, a former mayor of Bogota who had wanted the borough to declare English as its official language in order to persuade immigrants to better assimilate into the community.

Reaves also said she has asked state Senate Majority Leader Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester, to speak. Sweeney is pushing legislation that would punish businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants.

The illegal immigration protest will take place May 24 from noon to 2 p.m. at Pine Park on County Line Road.

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articl ... 90407/1070

Yes, Diane has been through so much...I'm looking foward to this one too. Kudos to Diane