READERS RESPOND

AT ISSUE: We asked readers: “Should cities require commissioner to be

screened for citizenship status?” This is what people had to say.

Why should there be any doubt? There should be no question about it.

Is there any country other than the U.S. which would permit noncitizens

to have their say in governing issues?

Kudos to Chris Steel for addressing this very important subject and

for standing up for his beliefs. And also a pat on the back for Latino

activist Paty Madueno for her realistic and fair view on this matter.

Obviously, Madueno has lived in another country where, of course,

noncitizens have no rights and certainly no access to making governmental

rules. She respects, abides by and realizes the importance of the laws of

the country in which she lives.

LOUISA T. ARNOLD

Costa Mesa

As a 29-year resident of Cost Mesa, I would like to respond to the

question. I do not think that U.S. citizenship proof should be required

for these positions. The important requirement is that the applicants be

interested members of our community. The citizenship screening is just

another effort to harass people of our community who don’t happen to be

U.S. citizens.

PAUL KELLY

Costa Mesa

The City Council should require citizenship for all appointments,

especially to all the committees, as well as commissions.

The bigger issue is: Will the council vote to eliminate their “magnet”

policies, permits and programs? These have clearly attracted and given

sanctuary to transients and undocumented noncitizens which have

verifiably and severely impacted our schools, property value, crime rate

and have caused a flight or exodus of our legal residents. The most

recent FBI reports indicate that Costa Mesa is eighth in population among

the 32 Orange County cities. However, we are No. 1 per capita among the

seven more populated cities in nonviolent crime. Although we are blessed

with an outstanding police department, the problems and the solutions

rest with the City Council. As a councilman, we need to change if we are

to do better for our U.S citizens.

CHRIS STEEL

Costa Mesa

I definitely feel that the commissioners should be screened for

citizenship. We certainly don’t want any noncitizens to be on a board

like that. Definitely yes.

MARY VELINA

Costa Mesa

Yes, I believe that commissioners or anyone that has to do with our

city or government or state should be a citizen. We need more, more and

more checking on our citizenship in a lot of different areas that are

very important to all of us in the United States.

JUDY WILSON

Costa Mesa

I don’t think that should even be a question. Of course they should be

citizens. The word illegal, as far as I know, still means illegal, which

we seem to have allowed plenty of those into the city and into our state.

But to serve in that kind of a position, they should definitely be

citizens.

GARY PLASCENCIA

Costa Mesa

I vote yes, that the city should require citizens to be screened for

citizenship.

MARILYN ALLEN

Newport Beach

Absolutely. It is inconceivable that a community would allow

foreigners and possible law breakers to direct and shape its future.

DENNIS BARTON

Costa Mesa