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Monday, 02/12/07

Purcell vetoes 'English first' bill

By MICHAEL CASS
Staff Writer


Saying "this is not who we are," Mayor Bill Purcell today vetoed a bill that would have required English to be the "first" language of Metro government.

"We don't need a law to tell us what language we are already speaking," Purcell said at a press conference, where he was flanked by more than 10 civic leaders and city officials. "We don't need a law that will make it harder for a police officer to do his job, for a school teacher to teach or for a doctor to help a patient."

The Metro Council, which passed the "English first" proposal last week with 23 votes, would need to muster 27 votes to override the mayor's veto.

The controversial proposal has engendered vocal and emotional response both from those who favor and oppose it. However, some on both sides say it would have little, if any, impact on the way city services are offered.

The proposal would have made English the official language of Nashville government and would have required Metro agencies and officials to communicate in English "except when required by federal law or when necessary to protect or promote public health, safety or welfare."

Michael Cass can be reached at 259-8838 or mcass@tennessean.com.