Feb. 12, 2013

The following also is provided in Spanish. Lo siguiente también es provisto en español.

Caption:            Councilman     Michael Nowakowski

“I believe it is my duty as an elected official to bring people together and to foster a dialogue where different views can be discussed and healing can begin.  Recently, I invited Sheriff Joe Arpaio to speak with a group of Phoenix pastors on the subject of immigration.  The sheriff and the pastors each had the opportunity to speak directly to one another during a very civilized and candid discussion.  The group of pastors shared stories of shattered hopes and dreams and of families being torn apart and children behind left behind.  The Sheriff was direct and clear in his conviction to enforce the laws as they stand.  Though our views on this issue may be very different, I believe that we as people have more in common than we do differences.  And differences of opinions do not necessarily make us enemies.  Coming together to discuss these differences is often the first step in creating lasting change.  While this meeting of the sheriff and pastors did not result in a resolution, it does represent a new starting point as we begin to explore comprehensive immigration reform, including changes to our laws that better represent our current needs and the future of our country.”
 

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