As a candidate for city council in the 6th ward, I can say that this issue probably affects my ward more than any other. The emerging immigrant populations (documented or un) have literally saved my neighborhood. The emergence of businesses to serve the new communities have added life and vibrance to blocks that used to be dark and desolate. The establishment of the Mexican Latino businesses on South Nicollet and Lake street have turned the area into one of the busiest areas in town. What was once an old ramshackle warehouse on 29th and Pillsbury is now a thriving busy Somolian marketplace. The affect on the economy from these emerging immigrant populations is huge and will continue to be huge. I am thrilled to see these communities building economic bases for themselves and their people. As a Irish/Norwegian white woman who isn't too thrilled about the culinary choices of her own ethnic persuasion, I enjoy having such a variety of choices of restuarants and stores. World Class food at McDonald's prices. Who can beat that? I wouldn't trade what I have in Whitier for all the suburban strip malls in the world. As for taxes? The immigrant population pay tons of taxes. Sales tax, gas tax, property tax, city tax, state tax, federal tax, and any other tax that the rest of us are paying. It would be interesting to see what the tax contribution is just from the people in my ward. I know it's gigantic. And no one asks them whether they are documented or not when they are taking their money. In terms of immigration? It's not a local issue. I agree with allowing easier access to work visas for people that come here whether their intentions are to immigrate here permanently or not. I also agree with allowing them to get driver's licenses. I lived in India and was allowed to drive there. I also lived in Canada and was allowed to drive using my Minnesota Drivers license. So...as a resident of Minnesota's Ellis Island, I say bring on the immigrants. It's an asset in my neighborhood, not a liability. Barb Lickness Whittier Ward 6 City Council Candidate __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices http://auctions.yahoo.com/ _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
