Can’t speak English? Too bad!

It’s always interesting the little tidbits that you find when you read back through the Board meeting minutes …

For instance, in the minutes of April 17th, President Sarto had provided information about an educational program, through a group of Catholic Sisters in the Chicago Archdiocese, that could help residents in the community who are having difficulty learning English.

While Trustee Sigwalt concurred that it is a wonderful offer from the Sisters, she clarified the Ordinance states that English would be required for Village government business only, not for the community at large.

So, Sigwalt isn’t really interested in whether the Village and its residents can communicate.

That must be the “statement” you wanted to make, right Judy?

Trustees prove their uselessness

Wow! Communication between the Village of Carpentersville and its residents must now be in English-only.

Oh, wait, that’s not true. The measure is non-binding. It’s ceremonial. Nothing more.

Since the measure is in the form of a resolution, or non-binding, the village will continue to provide a number of documents and conduct village business in languages other than English, village leaders said.

Even Judy Sigwalt doesn’t think much of the “resolution”

“Even though a resolution is just fluff, we are still making a statement,” Sigwalt said before the meeting.

Right, Judy. A message that you don’t want to communicate with a large segment of your community.

The only thing it does do is make the work of village officials that much more difficult.

Directors from five of Carpentersville’s most vital departments have reiterated concerns that establishing English as the village’s official language would obstruct day-to-day business.

In addition to the fact that they’ve done nothing to support the community by this, for the second month in a row they have remained silent on the illegal immigration issue.

Trustee Linda Ramirez moved for passage of the proposed ordinance but failed to get a second.

Again, none of those who were voted into office to deal with the alleged illegal immigration issues even want to discuss it.

To avoid costly litigation, Trustee Judy Sigwalt, one of four trustees backing the crackdown on illegal immigration, has asked the board to table the measure until the Hazleton case is settled.

This is untrue. Sigwalt, along with Humpfer and Teeter, were against waiting until the Hazleton case is decided.

Trustee Humpfer stated that the Village should absolutely move forward in the best interest of this Village to set dates to begin discussion on this ordinance.

Trustee Sigwalt stated that she believes the ordinance should not be left on the table and stated if the Village shows their support to other communities that are moving forward with this ordinance our congressman will take notice that the American people are not tolerating this any further. She further stated the Village owes it to the taxpaying residents to move forward with hearing what they want.

Trustee Teeter stated a date should be set for the special meeting enabling the residents to be heard.

The issue remained tabled because of Sarto, Ritter, Frost and Sliwinski.

President Sarto stated the ordinance should remain tabled until the legal status has been determined. He noted to Manager Anderson that direction has been given to keep the ordinance tabled with a four to three decision by the Board.

So, once again, we see the Carpentersville Village Board has done nothing to help the community on this issue. And, it is happening at the hands of those elected to deal swiftly with it.

Do you who voted for the “All-American Team” feel duped? You should!