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August 18, 2006


Crowd debates immigration

Palm Bay council meeting extends well into night, delaying vote

BY LINDA JUMP
FLORIDA TODAY


PALM BAY - With a half dozen speakers remaining at 11 p.m., Palm Bay City Council members had not had a chance to vote on a controversial measure aimed at undocumented workers.

The issue drew one of the largest crowds in recent memory to city hall on a night that was as stormy as the debate inside.

The council chambers were full, with some people sitting on the floor. At least 75 people stood listening outside the doors.

There was plenty of thunder both outside and inside city hall Thursday. Some 30 minutes after the meeting opened, the electricity went off. City officials went to backup power to continue televising.

Before the meeting, a group in favor of the ordinance encircled about a dozen opponents, all yelling at each other.

Samuel Lopez, president of United Third Bridge, called for residents to vote out Councilman Andy Anderson, who requested the ordinance. Proponents shouted that illegal immigrants should leave the U.S.

Anderson has said the federal government isn't controlling illegal workers.

"It's an unfair business practice that provides for unfair competition in the workplace," Anderson said.

He said only 100 businesses have been fined for hiring illegal workers in the U.S. "The federal government refuses to do anything."

This was the second public hearing and final vote. Already, both those opposed and in favor of the ordinance promised a response.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center
and the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund vowed a legal challenge.

And supporters said if the ordinance failed, a group is prepared to take the steps needed for the question to be on the ballot for voters.

Many speakers said the ordinance creates anger, hatred, fear and divisiveness.

Fernando Palacios, a Melbourne attorney with knowledge of immigration laws, told council members their proposals are impractical and duplicate national laws.

"Construction and real estate (employers) will be overburdened," he said.

Lisa Jaskulski, a Palm Bay floor covering and installation business owner, said undocumented workers are getting jobs before "our workers." She said roofers, stucco workers, insulation installers and even electricians have lost jobs. "Make the playing field even," she said.

Angelina Castro, an immigration attorney and an immigrant now working in Fort Pierce, said the ordinance will drive immigrant victims further underground.

"They're easy targets for crimes."

Wanda Medina, a Palm Bay pastor, said even discussing the measure "is already starting to divide."

Father Bob Markunas, associate pastor of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, called the ordinance "divisive, ill-conceived and inept."

He said what's needed is a comprehensive national immigration policy.

Former Councilman Ken Greene said the city's motto as a perfect place to grow will become a perfect place to grow divided with the ordinances.

"What we will be doing is profiling."

Angela Ruez of West Melbourne said although racial profiling may not be the intent, it would be the result. "Can you tell the difference between an American, a Canadian and an Italian? No, but you could tell the difference between a Puerto Rican, Mexican and American."

Mindy Stone of Melbourne said if Palm Bay passes the ordinances, it could lead to other cities like Melbourne to pass similar measures.

David Isnardi of Palm Bay and other speakers said the ordinance is about a level business playing field, not race.

"You folks have made it into this." He and other speakers asked council to listen to the opinions of city voters, not all those who traveled to lobby and who represent outside groups.

Richard Vaughn of Melbourne urged passage.

"It insures a level playing field for employers," he said.

Kenneth Gentry of Melbourne said he's been the victim of not finding jobs because employers hire illegal immigrants to save money.

Don Wassmer of Palm Bay said "greedy" employers pay slave labor wages to illegal workers.

Contact Jump at 242-1423 or ljump@flatoday.net.