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  1. #1
    Senior Member Brian503a's Avatar
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    Palm Bay rejects immigration measure

    http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/loc ... es-volusia

    Palm Bay rejects immigration measure
    The hotly debated ordinance sought to penalize employers of illegal workers.

    Victor Manuel Ramos
    Sentinel Staff Writer

    August 18, 2006

    PALM BAY -- After several hours of raucous debate and discussion, a march and flared tempers, city leaders early today rejected to loud applause an ordinance that would have given local officials a way to limit illegal immigration within the city.

    The ordinance, which would have penalized employers of illegal immigrants, was rejected 3-2, with Mayor John Mazziotti and council members Donna Brooks and Pat Woodard opposing and council members Andy Anderson and Ed Geier voting for the law.

    The vote came shortly before 12:45 a.m.

    Cheers erupted after the votes were cast.

    Brooks said she was persuaded because a majority of Palm Bay residents were against it.

    Woodard said he was not afraid of lawsuits. "I am afraid of a much worse circumstance," he said, "and that is promoting prejudice against all Hispanics."

    Anderson said his proposal had nothing to do with race, "and it's very hurtful to me that it went that way."

    After the council's vote, celebrating opponents of the ordinance gathered outside City Hall, kneeled and prayed in thanks.

    Pastor Wanda Medina led the prayer. "Dear Lord God, we thank you in this moment because we stand as your people. . . . And we want to plant the seeds and see the fruit that will grow in our city."

    Already stirred up during a march from Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church to the city meeting, opponents of the ordinance tried to explain why the proposal was hurtful.

    "I don't think this serves the community at a higher level, financially, spiritually," said ordinance opponent Mindy Stone, a Palm Bay resident who described herself as a third-generation Floridian. "We are supposed to help each other, not hurt each other."

    But resident Don Wassmer had a different take on the issue. "Our country is being invaded by an insidious enemy every day and night," he said. "The American people have spoken, and the message is clear: They want this invasion stopped."

    During the march, backers of the proposal chided the largely Hispanic crowd. Rains during the march also precluded a planned candlelight vigil.

    A shouting match between supporters and immigrant advocates marred the march, and police had to separate the groups.

    The meeting room was packed to capacity, with many people standing in the adjoining hallway to listen.

    Supporters such as Wassmer and Lisa Jaskulski maintain they are fed up with illegal immigrants creating unfair business competition and showing disrespect to U.S. immigration laws.

    Jaskulski, who owns a construction-related company in Palm Bay, said the ordinance was about leveling the playing field for businesses that hire legal workers.

    She said she had spoken to people in the industry, "from the roofers, to the stucco men, to the insulators, even the electricians, and they have all lost their jobs" to illegal immigrants

    Earlier this month, the proposal had already received a favorable vote of 4-1 from the City Commission.

    Today's vote was the culmination of nearly two months of debate surrounding immigrants in Palm Bay, a city of about 90,000 in Brevard County. About 8,760 of those residents are Hispanics, and 51 percent of those are U.S. citizens from Puerto Rico.

    The Palm Bay debate over employment of illegal immigrants surfaced after Anderson said he wanted to stop the flow of mostly Mexican immigrants from neighboring Indian River County .

    Initially, Anderson introduced a different ordinance that blamed illegal immigrants for crime and terrorism and would have made it a misdemeanor to hire undocumented workers. As the measure underwent revisions, it became one that strictly sought civil penalties, ranging from $350 to $500 per employer violation. It also proposed the suspension of work licensing and bidding privileges for businesses found in violation.

    Local leaders, such as Melbourne-based Samuel Lopez of the United Third Bridge civil-rights advocacy group, saw the proposal as a slap in the face to all immigrants.

    "We have said this is discriminatory from day one," Lopez said. "It's only creating unnecessary divisions in the community."

    The confrontation between advocates and municipalities seeking to restrict illegal immigration in their communities is not limited to Palm Bay. The city of Hazleton, Pa., marked the start of a national trend this summer when it considered and approved even stricter legislation against those who transact in any way with illegal immigrants.

    Victor Manuel Ramos can be reached at vramos@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-6186.
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  2. #2
    Senior Member sippy's Avatar
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    I hope each and every one on that council who rejected this proposal get voted out. Absolutely shameful.
    "Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting the same results is the definition of insanity. " Albert Einstein.

  3. #3
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    Damn shame.

  4. #4
    Senior Member LegalUSCitizen's Avatar
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    Here is the warning to the rest of the country. Once your area is so overcome by illegal aliens....you will no longer be able to get the elected officials to repond to the will of the AMERICAN people.

    You, American Citizen, have been replaced with people who are not even citizens of this country. What they say goes. What you say goes too....in the trash.

    Don't worry about this in Palm Bay.....it was fully expected by some of us.

    But please take it as a clear warning of what lies ahead for your cities and towns UNLESS you are willing to stand up to the federal government and DEMAND that our laws be enforced before it is too late for the entire country.

    It's up to you. Either keep a law abiding country or give it up. But you better be SURE when you make your decision.....because as you can see from Palm Bay, Florida....there will be no turning back. Your decision will be FINAL. Keep your country or hand it over to Mexico and other third world countries. It REALLY ISN'T up to GWB. It REALLY IS up to you.
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  5. #5
    Senior Member Brian503a's Avatar
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    http://www.wftv.com/news/9698873/detail.html

    Palm Bay Allowed To Hire Undocumented Workers

    POSTED: 6:57 am EDT August 18, 2006
    UPDATED: 10:45 am EDT August 18, 2006

    PALM BAY, Fla. -- Palm Bay city leaders put an end to a controversial ordinance that would have fined businesses for hiring undocumented workers. The measure also would have allowed the city to fine employers or even prevent them from doing business inside the city.

    The city council worked into the early morning hours, Friday, and finally dismissed the measure, but not before some heated debate.

    “This is a very, very sad day. As a small business owner, we are losing our work to illegal immigrants, they don’t have to have a license to work in this city. We do. We have to pay for it and this is what we have, a victory party over here? This is a sad day in America,” said Lisa Jaskulski, a proponent for the ruling.

    Samual Lopez, however, had a different view of the situation.

    “Goodness prevailed tonight. And this community is gonna come together better than ever,” he said.

    Some people want to put the measure on the ballot, so voters can decide the issue. Had the measure been upheld, violators would have been fined up to $500 per instance an undocumented worker was hired to work.
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  6. #6
    Senior Member Brian503a's Avatar
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    http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.d ... 80341/1006

    August 18, 2006

    Palm Bay Council nixes immigration ordinance

    Measure defeated in early morning 3-2 vote


    BY LINDA JUMP
    FLORIDA TODAY

    After hearing 68 speakers over nearly five hours, the city council, by a 3-2 margin, voted down a controversial ordinance that would have required employers to hire only documented workers.

    Voting for the ordinance were councilmen Andy Anderson, who initiated the ordinance and Ed Geier. Opposed were Mayor John Mazziotti, Deputy Mayor Pat Woodard and Councilwoman Donna Brooks.

    Woodard said code enforcement officers would be ill equipped to determine who are legal workers.

    “How can we be sure it’s not just someone not in the database yet,” he asked.

    He also worried about probable cause and said he never has known of any business that actually lost contracts because another firm used illegal workers.

    “It’s ill-conceived, unenforceable and a bad policy decision to approve,” Woodard said.

    After the vote, which came after midnight, Anderson said he wasn’t surprised by the defeat.

    “My main purpose was to send a message to the federal government to step up to the plate,” he said. “At the end of the day, it was a great process. No one should be disappointed.”

    Geier called the ordinance a “very important first step” in city policy to deal with illegal workers.

    “This ordinance has raised the evil head of something we’ve ignored,” he said.

    He said he had asked God for guidance.

    Brooks said council members received 423 e-mails, only 20 of them from city residents. Only two of the city residents favored the ordinance. Forty of the speakers at the podium were city residents; 29 were opposed, Brooks noted.

    “It would put a burden on law enforcement and code enforcement,” Brooks said. “Because we heard from the residents, I cannot support the ordinance.”

    Mazziotti was the only council member to vote against the ordinance on first reading. He said he worried about racial profiling.

    The meeting drew one of the city’s largest crowds in recent years. The council chamber was full, with some sitting on the floor. And at least 75 people stood outside the doors to listen.

    Before the meeting, a group of those in favor of the ordinance encircled about a dozen opponents, with both sides yelling.

    Samuel Lopez, president of United Third Bridge, called for voters to oust Anderson, who requested the ordinance. Proponents shouted that illegal immigrants are illegal and should leave the U.S.

    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 ordinances failed, a group is prepared to take the steps needed for the question to be on the ballot for voters in a referendum.

    Many speakers said the proposed ordinances created anger, hatred, fear and divisiveness.

    “This decision is getting out of control. This is too big for you guys to handle,” warned Raul Ramirez of Palm Bay.

    County Commissioner Jackie Colon said she was disappointed with the disrespect shown by both sides.

    “It has turned our community against each other,” she said. “We need to heal what’s happened.”

    Two attorneys told council members that the ordinance duplicates federal law.

    Fernando Palacios, a Melbourne attorney with knowledge of immigration laws, told council members their ordinances were impractical and duplicated national laws.

    “Construction and real estate (employers) will be overburdened,” Palacios 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 immigrant now working as an immigration attorney in Fort Pierce, said the ordinance would drive immigrant victims further underground.

    “They’re easy targets for crimes,” she said.

    Wanda Medina, a Palm Bay pastor, said just the discussion of the ordinances “is already starting to divide.”

    Father Bob Markunas, associate pastor of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, called the ordinances “divisive, ill-conceived and inept.” He said what’s needed is a comprehensive national immigration policy.

    Middle school teacher Jeremi Niehoff said she moved to Palm Bay in November because of the diversity. She urged council members to assist unlawful workers, not penalize them.

    Kathy Morgan of Palm Bay warned that employers would pass over Hispanic applicants because they would fear being questioned about their legality.

    Randy Allen of Palm Bay asked council members if they would “go after Harris Corp. because an Indian’s visa expired.”

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

    “What we will be doing is profiling,” Greene said.

    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,” she said.

    Bobby Rodriguez of the Latin Chamber of the Treasure Coast pleaded, “Help them. Don’t hurt them.”

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

    “Make them pass taxes instead of fines,” she said.

    David Isnardi of Palm Bay and other speakers said the ordinances are about creating a level business playing field, not racial divisions.

    “You folks have made it into this,” he said.

    Isnardi and other speakers asked the council to listen to the opinions of city voters, not those who traveled to lobby and who represent outside groups.

    Richard Vaughn of Melbourne urged passage.

    “It ensures a level playing field for employers,” he said.

    Kenneth Gentry of Melbourne said he has been unable to find jobs because employers hire illegal immigrants to save money.

    Don Wassmer of Palm Bay said “greedy” employers pay slave labor to illegal workers. He said Americans want their borders protected.

    Contact Jump at 242-1423 or ljump@flatoday.net.
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  7. #7
    Senior Member Brian503a's Avatar
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    http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.d ... 18021/1086

    August 18, 2006

    Group calls for 'healing' in Palm Bay

    By LINDA JUMP
    FLORIDA TODAY

    PALM BAY — Opponents of a defeated ordinance requiring city employers to hire only legal workers today called for a time of healing within the city.

    “We’ve already had enough hatred in this community,” said Samuel Lopez, president of United Third Bridge.

    The initial wording and intent of legislation that would have allowed city code enforcement officers to cite employers hiring illegal workers, including undocumented immigrants, drew the ire of Lopez, state and national hispanic advocates and individuals.

    The Florida Immigration Coalition and other groups that spoke out Thursday against the ordinance, which failed 3-2, called a press conference at 11 a.m. today in front of city hall.

    Juan Pablo Chavez of the Florida Immigration Coalition praised the council for listening to the community. According to its Web site, the coalition seeks equal rights for immigrants through education and advocacy.

    “The solution is immigration reform. Leave that to the federal government,” he said.

    Lisa and Bill Jaskulski, owners of Integrity Tiling and Carpet, Inc. in Palm Bay, showed up to present the opposing view. Lisa Jaskulski said she pays about $500 annually in city and county licenses. They said since the construction industry slumped, they’ve lost jobs to competitors who use illegal workers to save money.

    “I would have made more money behind the counter of McDonald’s this year,” said Bill Jaskulski.

    Lisa Jaskulski asked Lopez if it is fair for her to comply with all the licensing requirements and have other city contractors who don’t, and so can charge less.

    “I want it to be a level playing field for everyone ... The council’s action sends a message that to work in Palm Bay, you can be a criminal and get away with it.”
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  8. #8
    Senior Member dman1200's Avatar
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    Woodard said he was not afraid of lawsuits. "I am afraid of a much worse circumstance," he said, "and that is promoting prejudice against all Hispanics."
    Typical BS. I have a question for this political coward. What if the majority of illegal aliens in your town were white instead of hispanic and they all came from Canada or Europe instead of Mexico and South America? Would you give a hoot about prejudice then? Something tells me that things would be alot different. I bet if the majority of illegals were white, every pressure group would be all for getting rid of them and no stink would be raised. Of course since they are minorities they worry about offending people. Well you know what, yes your going to offend people. SO WHAT? That's the way it is. GET OVER IT AND DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND STOP BEING A BUNCH OF POLITICAL WIMPS. GOD FORBID SOMEONE CALLS YOU A NAME, IF I HAD A DOLLAR FOR EVERYTIME SOMEONE CALLED ME A RACIST, BUT DO YOU SEE ME HIDING?
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  9. #9
    Senior Member gofer's Avatar
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    Many speakers said the proposed ordinances created anger, hatred, fear and divisiveness.
    Divisiveness is created by cheats, frauds, and criminals not by ordinances trying to stop them. I'm sure all those elements existed before, but will get worse since your gutless politicians lost their backbone.

  10. #10
    Senior Member nittygritty's Avatar
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    The citizens of this city need to do what the citizens of Herndon Va. did, they need to vote everyone of these leaders who voted against this out!
    Build the dam fence post haste!

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