In a recent TAB interview and a video for NewTV, Newton mayoral candidate Al Cecchinelli said he is opposed to providing a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants.
“I’m the only one that believes the Welcoming Ordinance… should be rescinded and we should in fact, assist and comply with the laws of the federal government.”
Good idea?
“…we should in fact, assist and comply with the laws of the federal government.”
That philosophy has a much broader implication than the Welcoming Ordinance. If strictly applied, it would deny thousands of patients in Newton access to medical cannabis. It would also eliminate approximately 60 jobs directly connected to the only medical dispensary operating in the city.
Al is an attorney so he should know better. Under our Charter, the Mayor lacks the authority to rescind a duly adopted and enacted ordinance. Moreover, it wouldn’t change the Supreme Judicial Court’s recent ruling that law enforcement officers in Massachusetts do not have the authority to honor ICE detainer requests and arrest immigrants for purposes of deportation.
This seems to be the key issue in Cecchinelli’s campaign. (He brought it up again in his closing remarks in tonight’s U-CHAN/Clergy forum.)
Cecchinelli also repeated his complaint tonight about not being taken seriously in the TAB, Globe and Village 14. I can’t speak for the TAB or the Globe, but Al you are more than welcome to comment here early and often and help us understand why we should consider you any more than a one issue candidate.
The welcoming city ordinance is overwhelmingly popular in Newton. If this is Al’s one issue, I’ll be more than happy to say goodbye to him in September. Newton values inclusiveness and understanding over fear and intolerance.
I’m sure in Bryan’s circles the welcoming ordinance is “overwhelmingly popular”. I bet citywide, if there were a way to get an accurate poll, it is closer to 50-50…
How many who support the welcoming ordinance would support building low income housing so that illegal immigrants could actually live in Newton??
Low single digits if I had to guest.