A Message from the Campaign
May 15, 2007
Greetings from Let the Voters Decide:
Thank you for supporting the campaign against Ordinance 2903. So many of you donated countless hours to the cause – knocking on doors, making phone calls, and urging people to vote. This was a wonderful grassroots effort, supported by volunteers of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds.
The results of the May 12 election were disappointing, but our campaign enjoyed many successes…
First and foremost, we dramatically elevated the level of public debate and involvement on this issue. Our petition drive was among the most successful ever conducted in Texas. Our call for a public vote resulted in a record voter turnout in Farmers Branch – 5,999 people cast a ballot. A record number of Hispanics got involved in the political process, and many voted for the first time. We were supported by a virtual “who’s who” of business and civic leaders and organizations. The mayor of Farmers Branch opposed the ordinance, as did two former mayors, a former city manager, more than a dozen former city council members, our two U.S. senators, and a host of prominent businesses. We earned endorsements from many professional and political organizations, including the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas, the Dallas County Democratic Party and the Dallas Peace Center, just to name a few. This was a direct result of our hard work.
Secondly, while not all voters in Farmers Branch responded to our message, a broader audience most certainly did. Consider that due to our efforts, virtually no other city council in greater North Texas has said it would support such a divisive and costly measure. Because of our commitment to educate the community, “virtually every other local leader understands that immigration is a federal problem that should be resolved at the federal level, by an elected Congress,” according to The Dallas Morning News. Politicians, business groups and newspaper editorial boards across Texas, and even the nation, continue to speak out in opposition to the Farmers Branch ordinance. That is testament to the effectiveness of our advocacy – and the positive tone of our campaign message. Our research, findings and key messages will impact the immigration debate for years to come.
A local newspaper columnist said it best on Sunday: “Those who have tried to keep the debate at a practical level – the cost, enforcement issues, legal risks – have been drowned out for months by overwrought or, worse, calculatedly manipulative partisans.” We had to campaign against the misunderstanding that we supported illegal immigration. Fear and frustration with the federal government also were a lot to overcome, and both understandably worked in the favor of ordinance supporters. Still, in a community where only 600 – 700 voters have participated in recent municipal elections, almost 2,000 people showed up to vote against Ordinance 2903. That is amazing.
In terms of moving forward, The Dallas Morning News editorial board says that Farmers Branch delivered “the biggest Election Day disappointment” and wrote, “The city becomes one of the few to pass such an ordinance, a distinction that will prove to be a black eye rather than a badge of honor…The Farmers Branch measure is unworkable and probably unenforceable….”
It seems probable that this issue will now go to the courts. I’m sure everyone involved – on both side of the debate – will be watching closely. We will keep you updated and informed. This has been a rewarding campaign in so many ways. We appreciate your personal commitment and want to offer special thanks for your role in the political process.
The community is indebted to your volunteerism and passion.
Let the Voters Decide
info@votersdecide.org