http://www.orangeleader.com/news/local_ ... 35432.html

Published: September 24, 2006 11:54 pm

WO council to consider immigration resolution

By Debby Schamber

The Orange Leader


WEST ORANGE — Wanting to prove every little voice matters, the mayor of a Dallas-area town— Farmers Branch, recently sent out letters to mayors and school districts across Texas, urging them to start a letter-writing campaign or issue a resolution to support his cause — enforcement of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act.

West Orange City Council will consider the issue during the their meeting at 5:30 p.m. today at the West Orange Community Center on Western Avenue.

Farmers Branch Mayor Bob Phelps’ letter asked Texas cities to issue a resolution “imploring and urging” President Bush to enforce the immigration laws. In addition, he asked the government to pass into law any amendments necessary to address border security.

“Immigration is a problem everywhere and the frustration is boiling over with the costs of covering the additional costs in hospitals and schools,” Phelps said. “We are tired of being the butt of jokes about something that has become the government’s largest un-funded mandate.”

According to Phelps, in a recent Dallas County meeting, officials said they wanted to send a bill to Mexico to cover the rising costs.

“We are responding to a request,” said Ron Garrison, West Orange public works director. “This is a fairly common practice for smaller cities to ask other cities for support.”

In other city business, the council will discuss a setback variance request from John Winn Jr.

According to Garrison, Winn is requesting the variance so he may construct a carport that will be too close to the property line.

The council will also discuss an ordinance prohibiting the height of vegetation and structures located on property lines of corner lots.

“The height will be 3 feet so that people in a car can see over it (the vegetation and structures) to see oncoming traffic,” Garrison said.

Additionally, the council will discuss regulating outdoor burning.


Reach this reporter at 409-883-3571, Ext. 2613, or dschamber@orangeleader.com