Farmers Branch Let the Voters Decide Campaign Continues

by Minnie Payne

FARMERS BRANCH — Farmers Branch “Let the Voters Decide” event was held March 24 and March 25, registering about 20 people this weekend, with an overall total of more than 100 registrants, since the registration campaign began about two months ago. Potential voters have until April 12 to register and Election Day is May 12.

About 100 trained volunteers went from door to door, as well as being stationed at shopping centers and churches. Volunteers also placed signs in yards.

“Residents passed in cars and stopped and asked us for signs to place in their yards,” said volunteer Elizabeth Villafranca.

The purpose of the event was for volunteers to get U. S. citizens registered to vote in the May 12 election in an effort to overturn Ordinance 2903, which requires apartment owners and managers to obtain proof of citizenship or proof of legal residence from people who want to rent apartments or renew leases. Volunteers also educated apartment residents and other community members about the adverse effect the ordinance would have on the economy and the community as a whole.

“One of the major problems our members have with this ordinance is that we are the only industry in the city of Farmers Branch that will be required to enforce this ordinance,” said Gerald Henigsman, executive vice president of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas.

“No other business will have that burden put on them and the consequences of not enforcing the ordinance are economically disastrous, because apartment owners can be fined $500 per person per day for allowing a non-citizen to live on our properties. Non-citizens can work in Farmers Branch; they can spend their money in Farmers Branch, but they can’t live there.”

Supporters and groups were given renewed energy in January when city council unanimously repealed Ordinance 2892, restricting apartment owners from renting to illegal immigrants, replacing it with Ordinance 2903, which does the same thing, but gives voters the right to vote for or against it on May 12.

A U.S. Citizenship Workshop, under the direction of State Representatives Roberto Alonzo and Rafael Anchia, was held in February in an effort to aid all nationalities who are eligible to become citizens. Over 1,000 people showed up, but because of the time element, only about 600 people were able to complete their paperwork. Over 200 volunteers assisted.

Elizabeth Villafranca said that it was worth all the effort and fatigue that the volunteers suffered to see the look of joy on the people’s faces after they completed their paperwork.

“This was a really good indicator of the fact that people want to become American citizens and want to assimilate into this culture,” said Villafranca.

“The workshop was an overwhelming success and I think that it was a wonderful, positive thing and an indication to the people in Farmers Branch and other cities that many legal residents want to become U.S. citizens.”

According to Travis Carter, treasurer, Let the Voters Decide, four lawsuits have been brought against the City of Farmers Branch thus far, one on behalf of apartment owners and managers; one on behalf of residents; one on behalf of businesses, and one on behalf of the Texas Open Meetings Act.

“I have a different opinion than the Farmers Branch City Council on how to deal with the illegal immigration,” said J. P. Bute, potential voter. “I’m excited that I get to express my opposition to proposition 2903 and the actions of the city council members on May 12.”

Villafranca said that Let the Voters Decide volunteers will be setting up tables at apartment buildings and other places March 31. Anyone wishing to volunteer should phone Let the Voters Decide headquarters – 214-360-7813.

“We haven’t finished yet,” said Travis Carter.