El Hispanic News (Portland, Oregon) 
October 26, 2006 

MINORITIES WIN DOUBLE HEADER AT CITY COUNCIL
By Richard Jones
El Hispanic News Writer

Portland, OR — In an after-hours session last week, the Portland City Council unanimously passed two resolutions aimed at protecting minority communities and bringing them into the mainstream.

The first resolution established a racial profiling commission to examine the alleged tendencies of police agencies to target minority residents for traffic violations and random interrogations. The second measure authorized, in the resolution's words, "a short term task force ... to investigate barriers experienced by Portland's growing immigrant and refugee population and identify possible solutions ... ." Both resolutions passed by 5-0 votes.

The council floor held a standing room only crowd with many others lodged in the balcony above the chamber. Many supporters of the resolutions wore bright yellow T-shirts that read, "United in Support of Immigrants & Refugees."

Some 40 witnesses spoke on behalf of the two resolutions. One woman, voicing opposition, complained of immigrants taking jobs from Americans.

Jonath Colón expressed a need for a racial profiling committee. "Over the years I have had issues I have not been able to take anywhere else," he said. Commissioner Sam Adams described the new committee as "a watchdog group in the city that is bringing information to us."

"I think it’s a good proposition," Commissioner Erik Sten said," but I believe it needs a great deal more push." Sten suggested that the committee should not just a place to send issues, but a place to solve them. Mayor Tom Potter said the commission should go further than just collecting information about abuses. He challenged the public to "help us define the structure and define the rules [of the commission]." He promised to hire someone to go out to neighborhoods and get feedback from various communities.

The mayor took time to commend one of his staff members, Carmen Rubio, for her work in drafting the resolution. Rubio is the community and media liaison for Potter’s team. Citizens shared a good deal of personal experiences of harassment and expressed the need for a commission to expose discrimination in Portland. One man, describing himself as "openly gay," related cases of discrimination against him. "This committee will bring people to the table and make our community safer," he added.

Following the 30 minutes devoted to the profiling commission, a long line of witnesses carried the second hearing — for immigrants and refugees — another two and a half hours to 9 p.m. City commissioners, obviously fatigued, gamely displayed considerable patience, allowing anyone with something to say to have two minutes before the council. Several witnesses evidently did not hear the request to limit their input to two minutes. The goal of the task force is to define the obstacles facing immigrants. The task force is charged with reporting back to the City Council by Sept. 1, 2007.

Maria Lisa Johnson, one of the sponsors of the immigrant/refugee resolution, noted that many immigrants had been attacked under the guise of national security. Emiliana Itzular, a refugee from Guatemala, said she had come to Portland to escape the 36 years of civil war in Guatemala that led to more than 200,000 deaths. "After arriving in this country we found ourselves under the same kinds of discrimination," she added.

Pam Phan, a refugee from Vietnam, said that Americans had hurled slurs at her. "I see history repeating itself," she said.

"Our community is in fear of being deported," Romeo Sosa told the commissioners. "We have been deported; we have been divided." "We need the United States," Sosa added. "The United States needs us."

"Being legal and documented does not mean we are immune to discrimination," said Rivka Sadarangani, an artist from India. "This resolution is the first step in acknowledging that Portland has a lot to learn." Ivonne Rivera said she envisions "a city where we can enjoy the rights envisioned by the Constitution."

Although her husband is a citizen, Sharon Acosta said she lives under a cloud of fear. "I was afraid when my husband went to work. Would he be stopped? Would he be able to prove his citizenship?"

After hearing the comment from a wide range of citizens, Commissioner Dan Saltzman observed that "people that come to this country often have a better appreciation for this country than we do."

Speaking against divisive issues, Commissioner Randy Leonard said, "I'm sad to see national politicians splitting this country." He said that issues such as immigration and gay marriage put a burden of hate on the backs of ethnic and social minorities. The next 11 months will demonstrate what citizen led groups can — or cannot — do to build a more harmonious community.