Candidates take on Immigration

Here is the report from Gary Nelson of the Republic and Jason Massad of the Tribune about yesterday's immigration discussion from the Mayoral candidates. Its always interesting to see the different takes on the same issue.

It looks to me that all of the candidates need to brush up on their immigration plans. This is going to continue to be a huge issue and they should have some ideas on what they stand for.

For example, Smith sounds a lot more forceful in the Republic article and weaker in the Tribune. Which is closer to reality? I do have to give him the quote of the day:

"My vision doesn't include being the payday loan capital of the world, or having a disproportionate share of pawn shops, or watching the MD Helicopters of the world walk out of the city." - POW!

I was pretty surprised to see Rex Griswald take on the Sheriff's department do directly. Like him or not, the Sheriff and his activties regarding illegal immigration is very popular with a large group of people. Some people I talk to think that he is the only guy doing anything about immigration. Plus, his comments about the East vs. West divide are pretty troubling. I have already heard that he is not that popular in West Mesa, so why would he come out and insinuate that its going to turn into the "ghetto?"

Once again, the answers given forth by Walters seem weak and defensive. Okay, so the Feds aren't doing anything about immigration, so what are she going to do about it? We shouldn't talk about money anymore, but instead, focus on our opportunity? But the financial problem hasn't been fixed yet! You know she doesn't want us to focus on that? Because I think we might find that she is part of the problem. I think that she did a good job defending West Mesa, but she needs some work in taking ownership of the rest