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Immigration splits Avon Park

The small town’s City Council hears strong opinions from both sides before voting down an ordinance that would crack down on undocumented immigrants.

By JOSE CARDENAS
Published July 24, 2006

AVON PARK — After three hours of impassioned speeches from both sides, an ordinance to prohibit undocumented people from living or working here failed late Monday night by a 3-2 vote.

The measure’s most energetic proponent, Mayor Thomas Macklin, said that despite the setback, he was encouraged that the ordinance drew attention to the problems facing the city, such as overcrowded housing.

He said it was possible he would introduce another version of the ordinance in the future. Macklin said he never intended the ordinance to single out Hispanics.

“They just don’t know my heart,” Macklin said. “This has never been about race ...It’s about love of the community.”

The measure had passed in late June with a 3-2 vote. This time, however, councilwoman Brenda Gray switched her vote.

The vote came after hours of arguments, mostly by opponents of the ordinance. They emphasized that illegal immigration is too complex an issue that the federal government should deal with.

Speakers pointed to the importance of immigrant labor, the cost of certain litigation and the lack of research done by the council.

“I think us as Avon Park people have to dig down deep and help these people to become citizens,” said Paul Miller, 61, who is retired from the Air Force.

During discussion, Deputy Mayor Sharon Schuler and councilman George Hall expressed doubt that the ordinance was the way to address problems facing the city.

“There’s something that needs to be done. Is this the right way? I don’t know,” said Gray.

As immigration reform legislation has stalled in Congress, this farming community of 9,000 was among a handful of cities around the country where policymakers took up their own measures.

About 330 people packed a community center Monday evening, where the only item on the council’s agenda was the “Illegal Immigration Relief Act.”

Besides making it illegal for undocumented people to live here, the ordinance would have denied licenses to businesses that hire undocumented immigrants and fined landlords who rent to them. It would also have required that all city business be conducted in English.
 
Opponents criticized the proposed ordinance for making gross generalizations about an ethnic group. The ordinance stated that undocumented immigrants, among other things, increase crime, overcrowd schools and reduce quality of life for legal residents.

“We don’t have any failing schools,’’ said Charlene Edwards, 52, an Avon Park resident who is director of operations for the Redland Christian Migrant Association. “Where’s the data? I don’t see the research to support this.”

Willie Jenkins, a 58-year-old African American, favored the ordinance, saying that undocumented Hispanics in time will work in industries other than agriculture, taking away jobs from black and other legal residents.

“The hiring of illegals will extend to other areas,’’ Jenkins said. “There must be some sort of protections for citizens. We are not talking about discrimination of Hispanics. We are talking about illegals.”

Hispanic and white farmers and business owners emphasized to council members the importance of immigrant labor in the community, particularly in agriculture.

“Agriculture requires a strong work ethic and this country has lost much of its work ethic,’’ said Dennis Coalter, a 55-year-old farmer. “I thank God every day for the Hispanic community. I work with them daily. They enjoy working. …They work with a song in their heart.”

Mayor Macklin got the idea of the ordinance from the mayor of Hazleton, Pa., where a similar measure passed on July 13.

Some who favored the ordinance praised the mayor for having the “courage” to tackle the issue. Proponents insisted the ordinance does not target all Hispanics or legal immigrants. They said it aimed to solve the lower quality of life that comes along with illegal immigration and to preserve jobs for Americans.

“What does affect this town is people who come here and undercut the wages,” said resident Tony King, 49. “You need to do something and you need to do it now.”

The proposed ordinance has been a contentious issue in the community in the days leading to the vote.
Dozens of protesters on both sides of the issue arrived at least two hours before the start of Monday’s meeting.

“The message is that if you come here illegally you’re breaking the law,’’ said Claudia Hanson, a resident of Florida for 30 years and member of the national anti-illegal immigration group, Numbers U.S.A. “Our hospitals, our schools, our whole American way of life is in danger.

“We as Americans have to do something to stop it.”

[Last modified July 25, 2006, 00:07:43]