02-28-11 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 28, 2011 s/Derek D. Dieter Member of the Common Council Councilmember LaFountain, Chairperson, Personnel and Finance Committee reported that this Committee met this afternoon and voted to send this bill to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember's White, Oliver Davis, Henry Davis, and Kirsits, made the presentation for this bill. They offered comments and then read the Resolution in its entirety. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. The following individuals spoke in favor of this bill. Rudy Monterrosa, 23232 Amber Valley Drive, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is in favor of this bill. He urged the Council's favorable consideration. Pastor Don Gaston, Emmanuel Church, Member of TAP (Transforming Action into Power) stated that he is speaking in favor of this bill because no one should have their citizenship challenged. Pastor Gaston stated that this bill takes us back to time that once thought fugitive slaves had to carry proof that they were not fugitive but free. He stated that he has been asked if he is Haitian or from a foreign country. He stated that he is an American Citizen born and raised here. He also stated that he was concerned about law enforcement officers being tied up with this procedure and not available when he calls for help. Jesusa Riveria, 1632 W. Indiana, South Bend, Indiana stated that she is a member of St. Adalbert's Church, and a member of TAP. She thanked Councilmember White and the Members of the South Bend Common Council for this Resolution. Ms. Riveria advised that she is in favor of this bill. Ms. Rivera stated that this bill will send a strong vital message to insuring legal immigrants, their families and their employers that they feel welcome to integrate into our society without being labeled simply by the color of their skin, the accent that they speak or the way that they are dressed. The Resolution will send a sign to our local business leaders and their employers that they will not allow a politician looking at easy points in the media to hurt legitimate businesses serving in service by immigrant laborers. SB 590 will drive jobs and investment to other states. This Resolution will give businesses hope that they can come to South Bend and do business here. Jose Garcia, 2634 Grace Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is a student at John Adams High School, and a member of TAP. He stated that this Resolution will send a message to students that it does reflect the values of South Bend. He stated that students from around the country are encouraged here to receive a higher education. He stated that he is in favor of this resolution and urged the Council's favorable consideration. Juan Escanevo, 1924 Sherman, South Bend, Indiana Member of TAP and in favor of this Resolution. He stated that he would like to recognize all the people in attendance tonight. He stated that they are being isolated just because of the way they look. He applauded the Council for this Resolution and noted that they are the first to do so. He stated that this is just the tip of the iceberg for people who are looking at Indiana to make it their home, work and a place to raise their families. Dustin Saunders, 119 LaPorte, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is in favor of this bill. He thanked Councilmember White for sponsoring this bill. He stated that he finds bill 590 utterly appalling and wrong. It is bigoted and wrong. He urged the Council's favorable adoption of this Resolution. Councilmember Varner advised Pastor Gaston that police services would not be hindered by this bill. No one would be denied services. This bill does not state that and he wanted to make it clear for the record. 4