Immigration

Time to figure out what community wants

Letter to the Editor

Daily Pilot

December 24, 2005

Church and government have long worked hand in hand over the years in a variety of ways, be it planning communities, providing supportive services or with the development of strong moral leadership. The latter is the case for the Orange County Congregation Community Organization.

Once again our city has been rocked by a divisive issue. The proper handling of the immigration issue that has exploded on the Costa Mesa scene within the past few weeks continues to ripple throughout the community. Now is the time to look to the Congregation Community Organization for a transformation of leadership.

Recently, organization members visited with more than 1,000 community members and heard that the community wants: safe neighborhoods free of criminal activity; a healthy relationship with the police; freedom from fear of reporting crimes in the community.

With a simple mission to discover, develop and direct the power of ordinary people to create a just, economic, political and social system in the community, the congregation community organization is currently engaged in building a framework of people through training and education that will result in not only meaningful participation in the civic arena but also a commitment to making tangible improvements in the quality of life for our Costa Mesa families.

As a member of St. Joachim's Catholic Church, I recognize the beauty in the participation of its more than 3,000 parishioners -- of many backgrounds, who continue to work to remove the barriers established by the few reactionaries in this city.

Recently a comment was made in the paper claiming that the city is incapable of an intellectually honest debate about illegal immigration. The congregation community organization is here to put an end to that kind of mentality as it works with the Sheriff's Department, the business community, local elected officials and all of the city's residents to develop a mutual respect and understanding of the recent City Council decision and the future proposal of the county.

While the organization's community members have expressed concerns about allowing local law enforcement to play a role in the enforcement of immigration laws, we also recognize the importance of shaping the policy to make sure it is implemented in a way that targets only serious criminals and best protects members of the immigrant community who make positive contributions to Orange County communities.

Some groups have criticized the congregation community organization for not going far enough with demands and expression of their opposition. I guarantee you that right before your eyes the organization is working hard and is preparing for opportunities to educate the com- munity and invite meaningful dia- logue. The results of these discus- sions will unfold with the new year.

CHARLENE M. ASHENDORF

Costa Mesa

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