The recent discussions surrounding the ICEACCESS program have begun in the community and that is a good thing. Debate, questions, discussion, are all a healthy part of our democracy and the sign of a passionate community.
Whether Danbury should participate in the program is a matter of public policy. It is a decision that some members of the Common Council support and some members oppose. The proposal has bipartisan support, and bipartisan opposition among the Council members.
That is the way that it should be. That is also a good indication that most of the Council sees this issue as a question of policy, not politics.
The recent survey conducted by this office of the residents of Danbury shows that there is broad support among the residents of Danbury for ICEACCESS. It was done in a spirit to provide residents an opportunity to be heard, to participate in our democracy. After all, several speakers at the public comment portion of the Council meeting asked if this issue could be put up to city wide referendum. All residences with listed phone numbers received a call regardless of party affiliation or whether or not they are a registered voter (our system does not keep that information).
Many residents have contacted me to thank the City for the opportunity to be heard. They found it refreshing that their local government cares about what they think. We should not govern by polls or surveys, that's bad public policy, but letting people participate and be heard is a positive thing and should be celebrated.. After all, this is a question of policy, not politics.
All the Best,
Mayor Mark
Mississippi Queen
2 hours ago
3 comments:
Mr. Mayor,
Good afternoon. I am a new resident to Danbury, having moved up from Washington, DC, recently. I'm curious -- exactly what aspects of ICE ACCESS will Danbury police be participating in? ICE ACCESS is a fairly broad suite of programs encompassing anything from the basic 287g-inspired cross-designation of local officers as immigration enforcement personnel, to cost-sharing for immigration/customs enforcement operations between the federal government and local municipalities, to the use of asset forfeiture tactics, to anti-gang activities under Operation Community Shield, to child predator-focused activities under Operation Predator. Which one (or more) of these activities is Danbury interested in involving itself in?
Also, as a new resident who comes from a policy (and politics)-focused place, and who would love to become involved in helping Danbury grow and prosper, how would you recommend I get involved in local community improvement efforts?
Brian,
Thanks for the comments. The City will pursue training in the following areas in the following order:
1. Criminal Alien Program or CAP.
2. Fugitive apprehension
3. Document Fraud
4. Human Trafficking
5. Identity Theft
Beyond that ICE may recommend other training that would help the Chief of Police and his staff do their jobs. The asset forfeiture program could be used if someone bought a home out the proceeds from say human trafficking etc. With exception of cost-sharing and training surrounding border enforcement, we are interested in all aspects of the program.
If you would like to get involved in community efforts, we have a number of vacancies on Boards and Commissions that we need members for. Send me a resume and a letter of interest, and we will put you to work.
All The Best,
Mayor Mark
PS- Welcome to our great City!!
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