RubberBuzz || Akron Unleashed: Not all Evil in Norton

8.24.2005

Not all Evil in Norton

I know I've been focusing a lot on this English-only ordinance in Norton, but it really pisses me off when people pass blatantly discriminatory legislation. There is still one final road block for this ordinance: Joe Kernan, Norton's Mayor.

I've known Joe for years and he's a very nice guy. He loves the city where he lives and really wants to do what's best for the city. In the past few years, Norton's tried hard to not be the butt of jokes in surrounding communities. Their school system has been receiving top rankings from the state, the sports and music programs have obtained attention thanks to hard working staff and dedicated students and new developers are building as fast as they can in the city. But something like this takes Norton back a few steps and Mayor Kernan realizes this.

Kernan said his main concern about the English-only measure was that it would damage Norton's reputation.

``One of my biggest concerns is over the past few years I have really worked hard to change the image of the city, and in one fell swoop, with one piece of legislation, we're back to where we were before.''

No matter the outcome, Kernan said he will make sure Norton residents who do not speak English or have difficulty with the language will get the help they need from City Hall.

``I frankly don't care what that ordinance says,'' Kernan said. ``I will attempt to work with those people as best I can.

``That's what city government is there for.''

Hopefully, Kernan will do what's right and veto this. It is ludicrous to think that in 2005 we're passing bigoted legislation. I just hope, Norton's Mayor sees things the same way, not just for the 123 Norton people who have difficulties with English, but also for all people who are out to protect civil rights.

The BJ :: English-only push faces potential veto

(joe :: Not all Evil in Norton)

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