Resolution Repercussions

A "resolution" is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as:

- A resolving to do something.

- A course of action determined or decided on.

- A formal statement of a decision or expression of opinion put before or adopted by an assembly such as the U.S. Congress.

I personally think it's a lot of ballyhoo. Political posturing. This is Bakersfield, not Washington, DC.

And it's not legislation or law.

Bakersfield City Council member David Couch wanted to send a message through two or three resolutions, that the city was taking a side.

Maybe not a popular one for many in opposition, but one that would declare English the official language and that the city would not become a sanctuary.

Both resolutions were defeated.

A series of resolutions from Council member Sue Benham all passed.

Those resolutions pitted the city of Bakersfield against the U.S. Government basically demanding Washington to enforce immigration laws, develop policies and order the BPD to continue cooperating with federal agencies on immigration matters.

Not the same as Couch's proposal, but one that he even agreed sent a message.

But not the same message.

It's almost as if the council made the safe play, passing the buck to the federal government, just as city's and county's have been doing for years in regards to immigration.

I think English should be declared the official language in Bakersfield, even though the California Constitution already takes care of that, and that there should be no sanctuary status for undocumented workers.

Some council members who voted down Couch's resolutions, later stated they would vote down the sanctuary idea if it ever came to a vote. It did, Wednesday night.

If you want to make a statement, look south to San Diego.

Supervisors wanted to know what kind of an impact illegal immigrants had on their area. A study found that 10% of the county's annual budget was spent on services for illegal immigrants. That amount topped $100 million last year alone.

They are now trying to enlist the help of a San Diego Congressman to enact legislation to seek reimbursement from the federal government, for failing to stop illegals from crossing the border and using services that taxpayers pay for.

Supervisor Bill Horn said Tuesday that he did not intend for the board's vote to be a symbolic gesture, even though previous "illegal immigration bills" sent by the county to the federal government in 1994 and 2001 have not been paid.

I know, that's an issue for Kern County to follow, not the City Council.

But the Council had their chance Wednesday night, to send a message to the residents of Bakersfield.

And decided to bend it like Benham, instead of sitting on the Couch.

San Diego information provided by the North County Times