Thread: Ltrs. to Ed. re: 287g Waukegan and what city needs to do/sob

This is not evidence yet. But I've heard reports like this that people are moving out of Waukegan because of they applied for 287g. I'm trying to find a realtor to ask how many homes have put on the market this month versus last year. Also, will see the numbers for the schools this year. Telling...


Community rift

Since the introduction and passage of the resolution regarding 287(g) at the Waukegan City Council meeting, I had to wonder whether the members of the City Council anticipated the additional effect the 287(g) ordinance would have on the community.

The ordinance caused many divisions in the community, friend against friend, family against family, neighbor against neighbor and caused the embers of hatred to be fanned to a full blown roaring fire. It is that face of hatred why many members of the Latino community objected to 287(g).

Some segments of the city may take the city's measure as a stamp of approval to act on that hatred. Many persons are fearful and have put their houses on the market. Some no longer want to buy in Waukegan. Some people may be happy of the exodus, but is this the image that the city wants to have?

It is time for the city to take overt and conciliatory measures to bring the community together. First and foremost, the city needs to allow the community to review the memorandum of understanding between the federal government and Waukegan. We need to be assured that the promises made are in writing and publicized to avoid misunderstandings.

Second, as Waukegan is seizing vehicles, the city needs to take proactive measures to address the public transportation or lack thereof for its residents. To simply point to Springfield and the fact there is no budget is not an answer. City officials should call the governor, state senators, Speaker Michael Madign and tell the community you need our help. Do something to show your leadership.

Moreover, as Lakehurst the Branch I Court will be moved to Greenleaf and Washington streets, we need to be assured that people can safely get to the court. There are no sidewalks there and the bus stop is on Washington Street. Additionally, as we don't want people to drive, more people are riding bikes, the City needs to address the lack of bicycle lanes and bicycle racks.

Third, the city needs to establish a neighbor mediation programs so that neighbors can address their issues. There are many cities that have this program and it serves to defuse and resolve neighbor disputes. This can also be a preventive measure because neighbors will watch out for each other.

Fourth, the city needs to restart the city bilingual newsletter. If Waukegan wants to allay the fears of the community, start with information that the immigrant community can read. Although the city DVD may be nice, the fact that so much can change quickly, (as we saw recently), a medium that is flexible and quick to update is more effective.

I understand that the mayor would like to push forth an only English ordinance. How going only English is any measure of conciliation I cannot fathom. Remember, communication is the key to understanding. It is a myth that the immigrant community does not want to learn English. Establish/organize a learning English class and they will come.

Finally, the complaint procedure against police officers should be published and set out in a public place. As the memorandum of understanding will also contain a complaint procedure, it is important to know which one will apply in which situation. The ability to inform the department of any misconduct should be available to that small problems can he addressed before they are out of control.

These steps will build up trust among the members of the community and establish a workable and livable relationship between neighbors. If the police department does not have an advisory board, one should be established, particularly in light of 287(g), with members from the community, including lawyers.

I hope that the city will begin to work to address the community rifts. The actions of conciliation must be visible and from the top.

Yolanda M. Torrez Protecting workers

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/news ... ns/letters
/483670,5_4_WA26_LETTERS_S1.article

City suggestions

In The News-Sun recently, there have been a few letters to the editor and several comments to "Talk of the County" concerning the immigration problem in Waukegan. There was a recent letter by Yolanda M. Torrez, which was ludicrous and hypocritical.

In her letter, she made several suggestions which she felt that city officials of Waukegan should do to benefit community relations among the different groups. There is only one group which would benefit from her suggestions and that is illegal aliens.

She claimed that because of the 287(g) law, "many persons are fearful and have put their houses on the market. Some no longer want to buy in Waukegan." I hope she is referring to illegal aliens and that they are leaving Waukegan.

They have a right to be fearful, to be looking over their shoulder, because of the fear of being caught for entering this country illegally and then deported. If they are illegal, they have violated federal law and should not only leave Waukegan, but also Illinois, and the United States as they don't belong in this country and are not wanted.

Another problem is that many families, who are not Hispanic, look at the demographics of an area if they want to buy a home and reside in Northern Lake County. When these families realize that a large percentage of the population in Waukegan is Hispanic, a considerable number of whom are illegal, and the same then would apply to the school system, they are going to bypass Waukegan and purchase their home elsewhere in the county. The city of Waukegan needs to be competitive for new homeowners, and having so many illegal aliens does not help the situation.

Ms. Torrez also commented about Waukegan seizing vehicles and the inconvenience which people have in going to Branch 1 Court, presently at Lakehurst, which supposedly will be moved to Greenleaf and Washington streets. There is a simple solution: If you are here illegally, don't drive, as you are violating Illinois law.

Also, the driver is required to have car insurance. If you follow these simple rules, there is no need to go to court. The fine in Waukegan for seized vehicles is $500, plus towing and storage.

I feel that the city should increase the fine to match that of Chicago, as that city council is presently enacting legislation, making the fine $1,000, plus towing and storage. Just think how inconvenient that will be for illegal aliens if their vehicles are seized in Chicago.

She also made a few comments about procedures to be enacted regarding the police In Waukegan. There is another simple solution to these comments: Don't violate the law and the person wouldn't be involved with the police. People here illegally have violated federal law and those who harbor or hire them are also violating federal law.

Larry King
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/news ... ns/letters
/488997,5_4_1_WA30_LETTERS_S1.article

Thats all THESE PEOPLE have to do is MAKE DEMANDS. As the saying goes, good ridance to bad garbage.

Here's one way for conciliation. Come here legally and learn the language. All other problems will be solved. No list there.