Public Comment: Illegal Immigration

Public Comment on Illegal Immigration Resolution
Asheville City Council
August 22, 2006

I support the resolution before city council asking our federal representatives to take action to enforce immigration laws currently in place and to supply the necessary resources that this enforcement might require.

However, I would also like to see the city of Asheville take action too.

I believe that the federal government has proven itself derelict in its responsibility to secure the borders and enforce the immigrations laws it has enacted.

And yet, that failure does in no way absolve local government of its responsibility to uphold the law.

While the lack of strong federal support is a problem, it need not be an absolute barrier to taking action at the local level. WE can move forward even while Congress stalls.

I would like to see majority support for the initiatives proposed at the August 15th worksession by council member Mumpower:

1. I.C.E. training for Asheville police
2. Detention and transfer of illegals
3. Sanctions against knowing employers of illegals

In anticipation of further action to reverse the crisis of illegal migration, I support the resolution.

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NOTE: Council member Robin Cape added an amendment to the resolution that so completely changed the character of it that Mumpower was forced to vote against his own resolution. The amended resolution voted on included fully endorsing the National League of Cities resolution which explicitly supports the abominable Senate Immigration Bill. Later, council member Freeborn went on an untempered tirade against Republicans.

Free Transit

Asheville Transit
90-Day Ride For Free Program
Coxe Avenue Station, Asheville
August 14, 2006, 11:30 AM

URTV

URTV Launch Party
Studio, Asheville Office Park
31 College Place, Ste 20 A
July 31, 2006, 4:30 PM

Bele Chere

One Leg Up
Bele Chere Festival
Downtown Asheville
July 30, 2006, 2:00 PM

Patty Larkin

Patty Larkin
Grey Eagle Tavern and Music Hall
Clingman Avenue, Asheville, NC
July 28, 2006, 8:30 PM

Gorny Fundraiser

Eric Gorny Fundraiser
Lake Tomahawk Club House
Black Mountain, NC
July 25, 2006, 6:00 PM

WLOS Interview

WLOS Interview with The Action Club
Swannanoa River Road at Fairview Road
July 24, 2006, 3:30 PM
Kathie Lack, Kathy Rhodarmer
To air at 11:00 PM

Video:

Action Club

Buncombe County Republican ACTION Club
Ryan's Steakhouse
1053 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC
July 20, 2006, 6:30 PM

Merrimon Avenue Study Hearing

Merrimon Avenue Study Hearing
Public Works Building
161 South Charlotte Street
July 20, 2006, 6:00 PM

Drum Circle Controversy

By Tim Peck
Mountain Guardian
September 8, 2006

All music is noise.

Music is a form of noise; it's a subset.

For example, if you are sitting quietly by yourself, that's quiet; or the absence of noise. If you start whistling, you're making noise. It might be musical noise but it's still noise. In other words, you're not being quiet anymore.

The permit that the drummers have is the same that Bele Chere has -- or Shindig on the Green or road crews with jackhammers. It's a permit that allows the permit holder to exceed the limitations of the noise ordinance for a specific purpose approved of by the city. In other words, the city of Asheville prohibits noise generally but can allow it on certain occasions with a permit.

There is no music ordinance. The permit does not state that you must limit your noise to notes and melodies. The drummers can sing, drum, play flutes or hum in unison.

If the city deems that the event is in violation of the purpose for which the permit was originally issued, the city can revoke that permit and the permit holder would no longer have permission to exceed the noise ordinance.

I would suggest to the permit holder that they find a way to minimize their negative impact on the quality of life downtown, just as any other law abiding person would, and thereby retain their permit to engage in peaceable merry-making in Prichard Park, which is the perfect setting for this particular brand of it.

FURTHER READING:
Downtown drums irking condo owners
Police seek peace between drummers, condo dwellers