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Latino coalition presents immigrant initiative

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By Mark McGregor, Staff Writer 10:14 PM Tuesday, January 31, 2012

SPRINGFIELD — A local Latino coalition will present a free lunchtime information session Thursday on what neighboring Dayton is doing to make it an immigrant friendly city.

The Latino Coalition of Clark and Champaign Counties will host presenter Tom Wahlrab, who coordinated the initiative for the city’s Human Relations Council. Wahlrab is the council’s executive director.

“Communities across America are at a crossroad: To welcome and integrate new residents and help them on a path to citizenship, or to allow old stereotypes, fears and preconceptions to hinder future success,” the Welcome Dayton: Immigrant Friendly City report says.

Dayton city commissioners unanimously approved the report in early October as a framework for making the city friendly to immigrants.

It focuses on goals in business and economic development, local government and the justice system, social and health services and the community cultural, arts and education sectors relating to immigrants.

The plan caused debate about whether Dayton should embrace immigrants who are here in violation of federal laws, with some residents claiming threats to the job market and social services. Others said the plan could help a shrinking city thrive again.

“The more productive way to talk about immigration is how can we receive these new folks and integrate them rather than talk about who is illegal,” Wahlrab said.

Wahlrab said he will not be here to initiate similar action in the counties, but to share what Dayton experienced during the process.

“The conversation in the country continues to change and evolve, and more communities are seeing the value in welcoming immigrants,” he said.

No similar action is being discussed at the Springfield government level at this time.

“I would encourage people who want to know what the city of Dayton is doing to attend,” said Nancy Flinchbaugh, Springfield’s Fair Housing/Mediation coordinator.

She also encouraged attendees to read Dayton’s report at www.daytonohio.gov/welcomedaytonreport before attending the session.

The coalition meets quarterly as a networking organization to address issues for the Latino immigrants in the community.

Attendees are welcome to bring their lunch.

Staff writer Jeremy Kelley contributed to this report.

What: Discussion on Dayton’s Welcome Dayton: Immigrant Friendly City initiative

When: Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Town and Country Early Childhood Center, Multi-Purpose Room, 2430 Van Buren Rd., Springfield

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