Freehold Borough is and will continue to be a ‘champion of the working poor’

The letter from the newly formed Coalition for the Empowerment of Latinos and the Working Poor was sadly misguided. Freehold is and will continue to be a champion of the working poor — working poor American citizens and legal immigrants.

Ironically, working American citizens and legal immigrants of all races have been hurt the most by the influx of illegal day laborers undercutting their wages, taking their jobs and forcing them out of their rental homes by driving up the rents, which can only be afforded through overcrowding. Freehold has led the rest of the county in providing affordable housing for legal working families of all ethnic backgrounds.

Real empowerment of the working poor can only be accomplished by enforcing labor laws and requiring all workers and employers to play by the same rules. It is not fair law-abiding workers making minimum wage must pay taxes on those wages when illegal workers can earn at least $10 an hour in cash, untaxed.

The coalition’s letter confuses the issues by throwing out the race card. Freehold is committed to addressing the problems that face us — overcrowding in our housing and our schools. They also fail to differentiate between legal and illegal immigration. Communities are made and prosper by those who have a vested interest in that community. Our immigrant ancestors came to this country to make a better life for themselves and their families — to put down roots and make this their new home.

The Latino businesses which are flourishing downtown are an example of this. They are operated by legitimate immigrants who are now a part of our country and our system. They are putting down roots and becoming a part of the community. Those who do not respect the laws of this country, who refuse to play by the same rules as everyone else, do not build strong communities. People of all ethnicities are welcome provided they play by the same rules.

The coalition completely ignores the devastating effect illegal immigration has on this community. Our schools cannot accommodate the surging enrollment. Where in this nearly fully developed town do they propose we build additional classroom space? Who do they think is going to pay for it? The burden falls squarely on the shoulders of our hard-working residents.

Perhaps they should address their comments to the state leaders, to press the state to change the outmoded, regressive system of funding schools through local property taxes.

The bottom line is that this nation was founded upon the rule of law. It must be enforced. No one is exempt. Freehold will continue to do its best to enforce its laws and protect the quality of life for everyone.

Mayor Michael Wilson

and Borough Council

members

Freehold Borough