Posted on 12/04/2006 7:14:31 PM PST by MeneMeneTekelUpharsin
DALLAS — A real estate broker filed a lawsuit Monday alleging members of the Farmers Branch City Council and the city's mayor repeatedly violated the state's open meetings laws to deliberate a series of anti-illegal immigration ordinances. Guillermo Ramos, of Farmers Branch, was among opponents who protested at city hall before council members in this Dallas suburb unanimously approved having property managers or owners verify the immigration or citizenship status of apartment renters. The ordinance was part of a series of anti-illegal immigration rules passed in November that intend to keep illegal immigrants out of Farmers Branch. Council members also approved resolutions making English the city's official language and allowing local authorities to become part of a federal program so they can enforce immigration laws.
The suit by Ramos seeks to declare the rental ordinance null and void and keep the city from enforcing it. It also targets a seperate rule that imposes new property maintenance standards for homeowners, which bans empty flower pots and dirty garage doors. The lawsuit, filed in state district court, alleges the mayor and council members routinely met in closed session and schemed to deny the public access to discussion about the ordinances. "Like many in the community, I believe the public was denied the opportunity to participate in the discussion of these ordinances," Ramos said in a statement. "Given the social, economic and political effects of these measures, it seems the city left its constituents with little choice but to pursue legal remedy."
The city had not yet been served with the lawsuit Monday evening, said Farmers Branch spokesman Tom Bryson. Ramos, who has said he plans to run for city council, wants the court to review minutes and recordings of closed executive session meetings the council had regarding both measures. When the council made the series of 6-0 votes last month on the anti-illegal immigration measures, it did so without discussion and took comment from the public afterward. "How in the world could they have gotten there without having any deliberative process?" said attorney William Brewer, who represents Ramos. "Well, it's very unlikely that that happens like that."
Earlier that day, council members and the mayor held an executive session. The Texas Open Meetings Act requires all meetings of any governmental body to be open to the public but allows closed door executive sessions for the private discussion of litigation or personnel matters. The lawsuit contends council members wrongfully used the attorney consultation exception to close the meeting to the public and discuss issues they should have talked about in front of the city residents. The council decided that starting Jan. 12, every person in an apartment would have to submit documentation to the landlord when making or renewing leases. Property managers or owners who break the rule face a misdemeanor charge punishable by a fine of up to $500.
Last month's decision made Farmers Branch the first Texas city to adopt a sweeping ordinance intended to keep out illegal immigrants. It's one of more than 50 cities or counties around the country that have considered, passed or rejected laws banning landlords from leasing to illegal immigrants, penalizing businesses that employ undocumented workers and making English the city's official language. The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund is looking at potential legal challenges. The Apartment Association of Greater Dallas is also examining the legality of the ordinance.
Guillermo Ramos doesn't give a crap about America. He's only in it for THE MONEY!!! SHOW ME THE MONEY!!! Right Guillermo?
This Real Estate clown dosnt give a good damn about immigrants he is interested in filling his pockets with their money.
Obvious, huh?
"First we kill all the lawyers" .......
Its not a new sentiment.
Are there no men left in government to call anarchy what it is?
ping
Bttt!
the only reason it was closed was to keep out iollegals who should not have any input in a council meeting anyway. Only citizens or registered voters should be allowed to participate in city meetings.
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