Controversial resolution on immigration, plenty of debate, but no vote

The resolution, as written, stated that California has a disproportionately high number of undocumented aliens currently living within its borders, and the number of deportations of such persons continues to rise with devastating consequences to families and California communities.

The resolution goes on to state that the federal government is currently seeking housing for undocumented persons, including approximately 57,000 unaccompanied minors fleeing poor conditions in Central America. It also states that the current crisis presents significant challenges to California communities, including Lemoore, by hampering the delivery of essential services, including medical, law enforcement, judicial and education needs.

Finally, the resolution says that the City of Lemoore disapproves of the efforts of the federal government to house undocumented persons, including minors, within California communities, including Lemoore.

“I have nothing against anybody coming to this country to improve themselves,” said Rodarmel in defending his resolution. “But I would appreciate it if they would do it like my ancestors did,” meaning that they arrived in this country by legal means.

The resolution didn’t set well with some councilmembers - and members of the public. Connie Wlaschin said she was disappointed that Lemoore taxpayers’ dollars paid for this resolution. “When I read this I was disappointed,” she said. “My first question is how much did this cost for the city attorney to do this? This concerns me – as a Christian – how can we turn these children away.”

Wlaschin said she was “flabbergasted” and disappointed. “We as a city shouldn’t be worried about this. We should worry about caring for these children. I’m just disappointed that as a city we had to do something like this.”

Rodarmel also suggested that with the illegal immigrants come diseases. “These diseases that these people are bringing, I just don’t want to see that kind of crisis here in Lemoore. That’s why I’m asking for something to say that we’re against it.”

According to government officials there is no proof that these immigrants carry infectious diseases.

Jesus Garcia, a local business owner, didn’t seem to think much of the resolution either. “I was 16 years old when I came to this country,” he said. “I’m an immigrant. I served 20 years of my life in the United States Marine Corps so you can sit right there and express your opinion. This country was built by immigrants. Do you know what would happen to this country if all those illegal immigrants were sent back to their country?”

Mayor Billy Siegel took Rodarmel’s side. “Do laws matter,” he said. “Who gets to decide which laws to follow and which laws you don’t get to follow?”

New councilmember Ray Madrigal didn’t like the tone of the resolution and felt as if it was not something the council should be concerned with. “When I applied for this position I never thought we’d be talking about his,” he said. “Why are we talking about this?”

Instead he said the council should be talking about water, roads, recreation and other things relevant to the City of Lemoore.

“I don’t agree with this at all,” said Councilmember Eddie Neal. “I lived in Mississippi for 20 years. I never heard this kind of stuff. This is not Lemoore”