Commissioners put immigration vote on agenda

6/15/2010
BY TOM TROY
BLADE POLITICS WRITER

The Lucas County Commissioners may vote Tuesday on a resolution expressing opposition to Arizona's new immigration law and urging the federal government to adopt immigration reform.

The resolution on the agenda of the all-Democratic Board of Commissioners accuses the Arizona law of encouraging racial profiling and violating Constitutional rights of due process.

Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak, the sponsor of the resolution, could not be reached for comment. Administrative assistant David Mann said the request for the resolution came from members of the Latino community, including Baldemar Velasquez, the president of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee.

"It's just a statement that has no legal effect, but it's a statement on behalf of the board that comprehensive immigration reform is not just good for Arizona or good for Ohio, it's good for the whole country," Mr. Mann said.

Arizona's first-in-the-nation law signed in April requires police enforcing other laws to check immigration status if they suspect someone is in the country illegally. The law also makes being in the United States illegally a state crime.

A similar resolution was proposed for Toledo City Council May 28 but was withdrawn on June 1 by its sponsor, Councilman Adam Martinez.

Mr. Martinez said he had nothing to do with the commissioners' resolution. He said he wants to "fine tune" his resolution and hold a public hearing.

Commission President Pete Gerken said Lucas County has a migrant immigrant population and an interest in addressing national immigration issues.

"I just want to add the voices of the county commissioners to the rising chorus that is joining in the debate on national immigration policy," Mr. Gerken said.

Contact Tom Troy at:

tomtroy@theblade.com

or 419-724-6058.