Flags of many homelands, July 4, 2013
The resolution does not speak to the means by which translation will take place, except to say a "certified and qualified translator" will be provided. In some past school board meetings, individuals needing translation were given headphones to hear a translator. At recent meetings of the council, individuals have translated for non-English speakers in public comment, and Deputy City Administrator Carlos Sanchez has offered translation after explaining development projects or other items in English.
In addition, public meetings and events are advertised in both English and Spanish on the city web site, and the Historic Preservation Commission is nearing publication of its Design Guidelines booklet in Spanish. Police have relied on translation services such as LanguageLine for instant communication with non-English speakers.
The resolution puts the Hispanic population at 39 percent as of the last census, although the U.S. Census Bureau said it was 40.4 percent in 2010. Under "Business Quick Facts" the Census report puts Hispanic-owned firms at 19.7 percent in 2007, more than double the statewide number. Probably the percentage is even higher today, making more Hispanic "stakeholders" as cited in the resolution.
Here is the text of the resolution, as copied from the June 16 online agenda:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY COUNCIL TO PROVIDE BILINQUAL TRANSLATION SERVICES DURING THE CONDUCTION OF ALL CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR THE CITY OF PLAINFIELD INTRODUCED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL:
WHEREAS, the growth of the Hispanic community of Plainfield continues to rise (39% of population as of last census), and
WHEREAS, there is a need to be inclusive of all residents of the city of Plainfield, and
WHEREAS, information discussed at City Council meetings are of great importance to the residents of Plainfield, and
WHEREAS, the primary language of many Plainfield residents is Spanish, and
WHEREAS, the Hispanic community are stakeholders because they own property and/or businesses in the city of Plainfield, now, therefore
BE IT SO RESOLVED, that the Plainfield Advisory Commission on Hispanic Affairs (PACHA) strongly requests that the City Council provide a certified and qualified translator at all City Council meetings. Scheduled by the City Council June 16, 2015.
Please note, the June 16 meeting is on Tuesday in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.
--Bernice
Long overdue. Thanks to PACHA for bringing need for translation services to the attention of of the council.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, so instead of encouraging the non-English speaking population to learn the language of their newly adopted country so they are able to communicate and progress outside the confines of Plainfield, all tax payers will now flip the bill for translation services.
ReplyDeleteSo long as we keep providing special services for segments of the community because it seems the right thing to do, we will never be a unified community, rather one of factions. Politicians will jump at every opportunity to build their base by presenting legislation that garners the support of special interest groups.
A google search for this particular topic does not turn up much in the state of NJ, curious to know what other municipalities, if any, are wasting their tax payers money on this far left initiative.
Many governmental agencies offer information in Spanish, such as Union County's election information. Most Latinos are in a process of assimilation, why not help them understand their new milieu. One of the cruelest things I ever saw (many years ago) was a police officer telling a distressed person at the desk in HQ "Come back when you speak English." That is not the norm today.
DeleteBernice, it is because we are too busy being PC. When people came here through Ellis Island, you had to learn the language. No press 1 for English. If you come here, learn the language. If I can speak theirs, they can learn to speak ours.
DeleteBernice: Point well taken and I agree that what you witnessed at police HQ is arrogant and ignorant. However, providing instructional information in other languages in an effort to help guide non-English speakers is different than providing a translator at all council meetings (regardless of whether or not it is needed) especially when it's at the cost of the taxpayer. Translation services is costly.
ReplyDeleteIt would seem preferable to educate and not facilitate. Teaching those who need to learn will provide them with an invaluable service that they will be able to use outside of Plainfield; on the other hand, facilitating the process of understanding is perceived more as an accommodation -- so why learn the language when government is willing to do the work on their behalf and no effort needs to be made to assimilate.
I'm certainly not opposed to helping, however, there are much more efficient ways in which to go about achieving objectives that have a greater good without jumping into a quick fix because it will appease a small group of pseudo activists.
Cuando en Roma haz lo que Romans hacer, hablar Latin,
ReplyDeleteor, as may currently be applied: When in the USA. speak English. If there is money to be allocated to assist non-english speakers use it to establish English classes evenings or Saturdays. Those who have an interest in being assimilated and getting ahead in their newly chosen society will attend. . There was a time, not so long ago, when one had to pass an elementary language exam to qualify to vote. Citizenship is not a privilege. It comes with a responsibility in which for the innumerable benefits bestowed upon us in these United States one has reciprocal obligations to his country and society at large. First and foremost amongst which is the obligation of demonstrating ones gratitude by learning English. Since a large portion of the Latino community already speaks English I don't think that any who does not and has a passion for Plainfield politics would have any difficulty in being told what is occurring. Bill Kruse
It's really not about appeasing "a small group of pseudo activists" as Keeping It Real would suggest. It's about helping new members of our community to feel welcome and to encourage their active civic participation.
ReplyDeleteAs evidenced by the demand for ESL and citizenship classes offered by organizations here in town such as Grace Episcopal Church, the Congregationalist Church, Angels in Action, El Centro Hispanoamericano, and the Plainfield Public Library to name few, the desire of new immigrants to become English proficient and active participants in our community is great.
Please explain the mechanics of translating the Council session into Spanish. Headsets?
Delete@Randy Schaeffer: Great to know that non-governmental organizations are meeting demands for interest regarding classes -- no direct cost to the tax payer. That's a good start.
DeleteGovernment should not be in business of paying for initiatives that can be handled by local organizations who can do the work much more efficiently and cost-effectively.
I appreciate your optimism thinking that government can make the non-English speakers feel welcomed and highly enthusiastic about civic participation when they have managed to do just the opposite with those of us who do speak the language. I’m sure you’ve attended Council meetings and would agree with this observation.
Dan Damon refers to the numerous dialects spoken in Central America and ponders which would be appropriate to use for the proposed translation. He should note that some native central American Indian languages bear no relation to Spanish. In the interest on "all inclusiveness" I think we should translate into all of these languages and dialects. I would also remind the Council that we have a significant population of Caribbean peoples whose patois includes 3 or 4 different dialects, some French, others Dutch and African derivatives. We must include everyone...its the American way.
ReplyDeleteI just added two zeros to my tax bill.
ReplyDeleteIf this is an important need for our community, why don't we have a community member participate similar to our councilpersons, with commensurate compensation.
ReplyDeleteGiven the large numbers of bilingual community members, I am certain that there would be individuals willing to serve in this capacity.