http://www.nwanews.com/bcdr/Editorial/43195/

I want to thank all who gave me their support and assistance in the recent general election and in the runoff. To those who allowed me to put my signs in their yards, those who supported me by calling and emailing others, those who visited with others and gave their support — to all of you and all the others who voted for me — thank you. I will try to be worthy of your support by working to make the transition of Bella Vista to an incorporated entity as smooth as possible. We have a great opportunity to make Bella Vista an even better place to live, work and play, and I am grateful for the opportunity you have given me to help with that. Alderman Earl D. Berdine

Bella Vista A recent Democrat-Gazette article mentioned that the Arkansas Chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens and its president, Manny Gomez, oppose Rogers Mayor Steve Womack and his Police Department seeking to enroll some of their officers in the 287 (g ) program that trains officers to enforce immigration law. I would suggest that Mr. Gomez and some of his “ legal-immigrant friends” do their own policing by helping the Police Department rid the area of illegal immigrants.

Maybe Rogers could pass a city ordinance that anyone who knowingly provides any kind of help to an illegal immigrant shall lose their own rights and be returned to the border. These illegal immigrants know that when they cross the border illegally, they become fugitives from justice and are subject to arrest and deportation. I would further suggest that anything the illegal immigrant possesses at the time of the arrest be confiscated by the arresting department. Return the illegals to the border in the same fashion they arrived — just the clothes on their backs. The arresting department would be allowed to sell the possessions in any manner it sees fit. The Rogers Police Department has reported that a large number of people that officers have asked for identification have none, so the police do not know if the people are legal or illegal. The Police Department should be permitted to hold the undocumented person until such time that he can prove his status. I say no ID — jail time and deportation. Mr. Gomez, if you and your people would get behind the Police Department and help weed out the illegal immigrants, making sure they all carry IDs, a huge problem could be reduced drastically. I dare you to help police your own. Sam Sneed

Bella Vista