Post by unwelcome guest on Mar 5, 2007 4:46:11 GMT -5
No tolerance for insensitivity
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 03/5/07
Freehold Borough Councilman Marc LeVine's comments on a Web site that some Hispanics have "a very promiscuous flavor" and expect society "to subsidize their mistakes" are not only offensive, but totally inappropriate for a public official sworn to serve all his constituents. In Freehold, that includes large numbers of Hispanics. He should resign immediately.
LeVine's lack of sensitivity is even more inexcusable in the context of the friction that has existed between the borough and the Latino community. While we understand and sympathize with those who have spoken out against illegal immigration — LeVine among them — making blanket statements about any ethnic group calls into question LeVine's ability to make reasoned, fact-based judgments.
LeVine also should step aside to allow the efforts of the borough's Rental Property Advisory Committee to proceed, unimpeded by the firestorm created by his Internet post. His remarks undermine his credibility as the council liaison to that committee, which was formed in response to housing problems aggravated by the influx of illegal immigrants to the borough, many of whom are Hispanic. Actions against absentee landlords, tenant exploitation and apartment crowding are among the committee's 15 recommendations released last month.
LeVine is founder of PEOPLE (Pressing Elected Officials to Preserve our Living Environment), a group formed in 2003 to address quality-of-life issues raised by the borough's growing immigrant population. He was elected to a three-year council term in November after filling an unexpired term since October 2005.
LeVine's comments were posted on a Web site run by PEOPLE in November. He said promiscuous behavior was more prevalent among Dominicans than Mexicans. He contrasted that to higher "living standards and family values/goals" of the Asian community and Asian Indians. He wrote that his observations were based on his work in the "light-industrial staffing industry."
LeVine said last week the statements did not accurately represent his beliefs. He denied charges by members of the Latino community that he is a bigot or racist, and said he would apologize to anyone who believes he should. But he did not repudiate his remarks and he has refused to resign, saying he represents all the people of Freehold.
No, he doesn't, not anymore. LeVine has fatally undermined his ability to deal with the legitimate issue of managing illegal immigration. His credibility as a councilman is shot. He must resign.
www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070305/OPINION/703050313/1029
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 03/5/07
Freehold Borough Councilman Marc LeVine's comments on a Web site that some Hispanics have "a very promiscuous flavor" and expect society "to subsidize their mistakes" are not only offensive, but totally inappropriate for a public official sworn to serve all his constituents. In Freehold, that includes large numbers of Hispanics. He should resign immediately.
LeVine's lack of sensitivity is even more inexcusable in the context of the friction that has existed between the borough and the Latino community. While we understand and sympathize with those who have spoken out against illegal immigration — LeVine among them — making blanket statements about any ethnic group calls into question LeVine's ability to make reasoned, fact-based judgments.
LeVine also should step aside to allow the efforts of the borough's Rental Property Advisory Committee to proceed, unimpeded by the firestorm created by his Internet post. His remarks undermine his credibility as the council liaison to that committee, which was formed in response to housing problems aggravated by the influx of illegal immigrants to the borough, many of whom are Hispanic. Actions against absentee landlords, tenant exploitation and apartment crowding are among the committee's 15 recommendations released last month.
LeVine is founder of PEOPLE (Pressing Elected Officials to Preserve our Living Environment), a group formed in 2003 to address quality-of-life issues raised by the borough's growing immigrant population. He was elected to a three-year council term in November after filling an unexpired term since October 2005.
LeVine's comments were posted on a Web site run by PEOPLE in November. He said promiscuous behavior was more prevalent among Dominicans than Mexicans. He contrasted that to higher "living standards and family values/goals" of the Asian community and Asian Indians. He wrote that his observations were based on his work in the "light-industrial staffing industry."
LeVine said last week the statements did not accurately represent his beliefs. He denied charges by members of the Latino community that he is a bigot or racist, and said he would apologize to anyone who believes he should. But he did not repudiate his remarks and he has refused to resign, saying he represents all the people of Freehold.
No, he doesn't, not anymore. LeVine has fatally undermined his ability to deal with the legitimate issue of managing illegal immigration. His credibility as a councilman is shot. He must resign.
www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070305/OPINION/703050313/1029
