June 19, 2007, 4:34AM
North Texas town makes English its official language


OAK POINT — A divided City Council has passed a resolution making English the official language of this North Texas town.

The council voted 3-2 Monday for the measure, which will apply only to Oak Point's operating policies and will not regulate individuals or businesses, as an ordinance would.

"I've heard from quite a few neighbors from the positive side," council member Mark Rakestraw said. "They don't want another dime of their tax money spent on" translating government documents into Spanish, he said.

The resolution prohibits the council from passing policies or ordinances limiting the role of English as a common language in the city, which has about 2,200 people and is located 30 miles northwest of Dallas.

Officials said city staff members will continue to use other languages to communicate with non-English speakers or when necessary to share information about public health and safety.

"Functionally, not a lot would change," City Manager Richard Martin said.

The measure was opposed by most of the people who turned out at Monday's council meeting.

Mary Bell, a member of the city's economic development corporate board, said the resolution brings unwanted publicity.

"You, as a council, have to consider whether economic development would be impacted," she said.

Duane Olsen, a former mayor, said he is often questioned about the city's intent in passing a language resolution.

"They ask, 'What are you guys trying to do?'" Olsen said. "I don't have an answer for them."

Oak Point's resolution follows a similar resolution adopted by the nearby Dallas suburb of Farmers Branch, where the city council in November made English the city's official language.

Farmers Branch voters have also endorsed a law barring the rental of apartments to most illegal immigrants, but the law faces legal challenges by opponents.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/met ... 01189.html