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Residents urge immigration protections and greater transparency in open forum
Summary
Speakers in the open forum asked whether local officials have adopted protections for immigrants, urged support for community resources and called for more resident participation in procurement decisions and transparent meeting materials.
Several residents used the council’s open forum on March 12 to press the city for clearer policies and greater transparency.
Justice (Justin) Kane Fisk asked whether the city has put in place protections for immigrants and how the city plans to shield vulnerable residents from federal enforcement actions. "Has the city council taken the time...to put in place any type of protections concerning immigrants so far?" Fisk asked.
Carrie Fulberg, a volunteer with local outreach groups, described the fear many immigrant neighbors feel and requested that the city back a bilingual flyer listing local services (House of Mercy, Grove, literacy programs and food pantries). She said her group, Virginia Organizing, would provide the material and asked if the city would allow its logo on the flyer to reassure residents.
Robert Wilson called for new leadership and more openness in city government, criticizing past conduct on issues ranging from infrastructure maintenance to the proposed live music venue and urging an outside hire for the city manager post. Another speaker praised the addition of meeting packets in the city’s meeting materials and urged involving residents with expertise in evaluating proposals.
City staff did not announce new immigration policy changes at the meeting. Councilmembers thanked speakers and noted the city will continue to work with local service providers and partners to address resident concerns.
