http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?se...gle&id=5663943

A Durham city councilman is under fire for what some are calling a controversial phone call. Thomas Stith recorded an automated message last week criticizing the City's handling of illegal immigrants.

Dozens with Durham's El Centro Hispanic community group marched into Monday night's meeting unnerved and concerned they're being targeted.
"While he may not be targeting Latinos directly by default we are the largest group of immigrants in this area," said Alba Onofrio, El Centro executive.

Onforio said it was an unexpected crowd provoked by an uninviting message.
"Did you know that Durham is a sanctuary city -- a city where illegal immigrants commit crimes without fear of being deported," the message asked.
It was recorded by Stith last week, urging residents to attend a meeting about Resolution 90-46. It states no city officer or employee may ask the immigration status of any person.
The Durham City Council passed the resolution in October 2003. Stith said the problem is, it amounts to a don't ask, don't tell policy.
"My intent is to have something -- a policy that is in place that is equitable across the board," Stith said.
His actions stem from what he says is a congressional list designating Durham as one of the nation's top safe havens for illegal immigrants. Stith said it's not about profiling, but he believes if the City doesn't change its policy soon, Durham could potentially lose out on homeland security funding. "It's very troubling to hear someone play on the divisions in our community," Onforio said. Mayor Bill Bell questions Stith's timing and suspects the Councilman is using a divisive issue for political gain. Both Bell and Stith are in the middle of what is becoming a heated mayoral race. "There's no question it's a political tactic, but sometimes you can have too much money and don't know how to use it, and I think that's the case with Thomas Stith," Mayor Bell said.

Call, e-mail and support Congressman Stith for having the guts to tell it like it is.Contact Information:
Home:
222 Shalimar Drive
Durham, NC 27713
(919) 544-4036
Office:
(919) 834-2099
City Hall:101 City Hall Plaza
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 560-4396 ext. 273
Fax: (919) 560- 4801
tstith@nc.rr.com