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COUNCIL MINUTES July 26, 2010 APPROVED 360 makes common sense, is good for operations and makes economic sense to have a chosen language. L... 61 The possibilities of providing information in other languages could be very difficult and expensive. 362 363 Pablo Tapia, 3840 Patriot Lane, Lexington, and his children attend school in Lino Lakes. As a 364 correction, he noted that this isn't about language but is about continuing the policies such as the one 365 in Arizona. It isn't really about economics because it's never had any cost associated with it. He 366 doesn't know anyone who has requested any language services. This is just another tool to divide the 367 community. He has lived in the area for almost ten years. One of his children was approached by a 368 neighbor and was asked about their immigration status. Actions like this resolution do nothing but 369 increase the level of hate in the community. He comes from four or five generations before him born 370 in this country but they continue to be chased around as if they don't belong here and all because they 371 are brown and have an accent. In reality the first language spoken in this nation was Spanish but no 372 one is talking about that because that is not what the resolution is about—it is another law that will 373 force people to not like others who are not the same color. He doesn't support the resolution. 374 375 Brent Gross, 2734 Fillmore Street NE, Minneapolis. He heard about this discussion from a major 376 media outlet and felt the importance of speaking because the Lino Lakes city council in this issue is 377 very much in the spotlight statewide. To codify this fear of others preemptively when you don't yet 378 have any fiscal burden is implicitly racist. 379 380 Ramona Advony, Minneapolis. She heard about this on the news and felt compelled to offer 381 comments. This is posed as a budgetary concern and she has no reason to doubt that but she asks that '82 the city do a cost analysis before making such a weighty decision. She appreciates that the drafters 383 have tried to take into account essential things that shouldn't be limited or affected by the resolution 384 but it leaves the question about what is really left that will have a significant impact on the city's 385 budget. The perception it can create will play into the business and tourism interest. On a personal 386 note, she is the daughter of immigrants and has lived in Minnesota and other states. She has always 387 been proud to talk about Minnesota and its welcoming values. She came to this meeting to hear what 388 could be pushing a part of the Minnesota community into a wrong and dangerous direction. She 389 hopes the council will not pass the resolution. 390 391 Antonia Tapia, 3840 Patriot Lane, Lexington. Her children attend school in Lino Lakes and she has 392 told her children that they are the future of this country. America is for everyone but there is 393 persecution for Latinos in things like this resolution. As a Spanish speaker, she knows the cost of 394 translation services. She sees to it that her children know people of all cultures. 395 396 Mike Pfleghaar, 668 Highland Court, Lino Lakes. He is proud to be a citizen of Lino Lakes with the 397 people here this evening. He agrees with the council's idea for fiscal responsibility and is thankful 398 that they are seeking a way to save money. He sees the English language is also a safety issue 399 because it is vitally important to be able to communicate during emergency situations. 400 401 Paul Kozlak, 118 Egret Lane, Lino Lakes, for about 19 years. It is encouraging to see so many people 402 get involved in the process. He embraces the resolution. It makes common sense; English should be 403 the common language. 104 9