Councilors Await A Decision On The City's Immigration Policy

Tuesday, June 5th 2007, 9:54 pm

By: News On 6

Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor weighs in on the city's immigration resolution. The city council passed the measure 6-3 ordering Tulsa Police to check the immigration status of anyone arrested for a misdemeanor or felony offense. The council passed the resolution nearly two weeks ago. News On 6 anchor Omar Villafranca reports now, several city councilors want to know if Mayor Kathy Taylor will sign it or not.

Almost two weeks ago, the city council had a heated discussion on the measure. The resolution passed 6-3. Almost two weeks later, the mayor has not signed the measure. Two councilors who voted for the measure want to know why.

"I had hoped and prayed that she'd jump on board quickly and implement it with deliberate speed,â€ said Tulsa City Councilor John Eagleton. â€œBut obviously she's checking the details and thinking about it. That's a mayor's prerogative, beyond my control."

"I think she's, to be quite honest with you, mincing words. And I am in full favor of her signing it and initiating the policy as soon as possible," said Tulsa City Councilor Christianson.

Mayor Taylor says there is a reason.

â€œI did not get it until today,â€ said Mayor Taylor. â€œIt was not filed with the city clerk's office until yesterday, and I didn't get it on my desk until today."

Councilor Christianson says he wants the measure implemented for a reason. He says Congressman John Sullivan asked the council for help with the immigration problem.

â€œWhen Congressman Sullivan solicits our help as city councilors, to help him gather information, it would bring an immigration office to Tulsa,â€ said Christianson. â€œIt ultimately helps the city of Tulsa. I donâ€™t see where all the high powered mediums have to be held.â€

Taylor says she met with an immigration officer who told her the measure won't help bring an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office to Tulsa. The Mayor says she'll take her time to look over the measure.

"The important thing for me is to ensure that if there is any misunderstanding for me in the community about what our policy is, that we clarify that," said Mayor Kathy Taylor.

The mayor's staff says the city charter states she does not have to sign the resolution. It's not an ordinance or law. If she doesn't sign it, it will proceed the way the council voted on it.

Watch the video: Mayor Taylor Has Yet To Sign The City's Immigration Measure

Related stories:

5/22/2007 Tulsa City Council Mulls Immigration Plan

5/24/2007 - Still No Decision In Tulsa Immigration Plan

5/25/2007 - City Council Passes New Immigration Ordinance

5/31/2007 - Key Officials Meet To Discuss The City's Immigration Policy