Carrollton Candidates and their plans for the City

http://carrolltondiary.blogspot.com/2011/04/carrollton-candidates-and-their-plans.html

Today is the last day to register your name for voting in the upcoming city elections. Please visit the Carrollton Diary for details.

I am pleased to share our candidates appeal.  To be fair to every candidate, every one was asked on the same “to all email” and was reminded three times.

The City of Carrollton has listed the names in the following order and the same order is followed here with no preference to one or the other.

Please register to vote today and do not forget to vote, it is our City.  If only you know the blunders made by City of Garland, City of Dallas in losing revenues to other Cities, you would want to participate, please do; it is your City, my city and our City.

 

Mayor:                                                                    
Matthew Marchant 
Ron Branson  

Place 2: 

Anthony Wilder   
Bonnie Kaplan   
Pravin Desai 

Place 4:                                                                

Terry Wright                                                  
Bob Garza 
Cathy Henesey 

Tino Patel 

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MATTHEW MARCHANT FOR MAYOR
http://www.matthewmarchant.com/ 

Highly regarded for his principled, energetic and common sense leadership, Matthew Marchant is currently serving as the Mayor Pro Tem of Carrollton.  Matthew's service has earned the support of all of the existing City Council members as well as every other Carrollton official that has served with Matthew and his opponent since 2002.   These folks have closely observed the leadership skills of the two candidates over the past 9 years and have unanimously come to the conclusion that Matthew is the best choice for the future of Carrollton.

Matthew’s vision for Carrollton is a first-rate city with safe, vibrant neighborhoods, quality development and a great community spirit.  He believes our City needs to be proactive and move forward with a series of initiatives to keep us on the right track.  Some of the goals and initiatives Matthew will pursue as Mayor are: Crack Down on Crime-Ridden Apartments, Make Carrollton the Safest Large City in North Texas, Attract High-Quality Restaurants and Retail Development, Promote Government Efficiency and Keep Taxes Low, Enhance Community Spirit and Activities and Open, Transparent Government.

Matthew is a graduate of Southern Nazarene University (Bachelor of Science) and the University Of Texas School Of Law in Austin, Texas (Juris Doctorate).  He is also a graduate of Leadership Metrocrest, Class XXI. Matthew is a partner at Strasburger & Price, LLP, concentrating his practice on real estate and finance law.  He is married to his wife of 10 years, Lindsay, and is the proud father of two daughters, ages 5 and 7.

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RON BRANSON FOR MAYOR 
http://www.runwithron.net/ 

My name is Ron Branson and I am honored to have served as Mayor of the City of Carrollton for the past three years.

I ran for mayor in 2008 not because I had a burning desire, but because many Citizens urged me to do so because of a need for new leadership and new direction. It was the voters, the Citizens, who reaffirmed that a change was needed and I have provided that change. What I have found out is that I am really proud of my performance as Mayor. Even those supporting my opponent say that I am a good person, and have been a good Mayor.

My record speaks for itself. Crime statistics last year dropped, with the most serious Part I crimes decreasing 15%, and economic development added 6.8 million square feet of new businesses for the best year in the past seven years.

I have been very active in the communities for many years, even before becoming Mayor. My support of events such as BAPS walks is unequaled by any Carrollton elected official, and has been consistent and not just campaign-time oriented.

I have served with honor, integrity, honesty and with respect. I am your Mayor 24/7, with no outside influence other than my family. Carrollton and the Citizens of Carrollton come first before anything else.

I am not a professional politician, but rather a professional volunteer. I attend and participate in your neighborhood and organizational events by invitation and without a lot of urging.

I hope that you will consider me when you go to the polls. Let me finish the great record I have started. I have been there for you, and ask that you stand with me now.

Carrollton Mayor Ron Branson

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ANTHONY WILDER, PLACE 2
http://www.wilderforcarrollton.com/

Anthony was born and raised in Dallas along with his 3 brothers.  All 4 attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

Anthony graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where he majored in Mathematics with a concentration in Actuarial Sciences.

Anthony is married to Sarah and together they have four children.  The Wilder’s attend Sojourn Church in Carrollton, where they have been members since 2004.

Anthony has attended 45 of the last 54 council work sessions and meetings.  He is engaged in the affairs of the city council and staff.  He most recently served as Vice-Chair of the Property Standards Board.

Anthony is now seeking your support to bring transparency, efficiency and accountability to city government.

He witnessed work sessions prior to the addition of cameras and after their installation.  He would like that same transparency in other areas of government, such as the city’s check register.

He has witnessed the lack of accountability displayed by our elected officials in the last couple of years.  His desire is to engage the citizens in all affairs of the city.  He will do that, especially after the election when it is needed the most.

The managed competition program has achieved great efficiencies and the need for regional shared services is obvious.  Both will require tough choices in the near future.  Anthony is committed to both and will keep the council on course to determine the most efficient and effective ways to provide necessary city services, whether they are through co-sourcing, insourcing or shared services.

For more info, visit the campaign website:  WilderForCarrollton.com

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BONNIE KAPLAN, PLACE 2
BonnieKaplan@gmail.com

In 2009, the A.W. Perry Museum Society decided to commission a quilter to make a quilt to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the rebuilt A.W. Perry home. I was named the lead on the project that was meant to be a fundraising event for the Society.

We decided to sell squares and strips that people would purchase and sign. The signed squares and strips would then be incorporated into the design of the quilt. I realized that Carrollton today looked very different than Carrollton in 1909. One of the most obvious differences was in the demographics of our city.

Today Carrollton is a very diverse city, ethnically, religiously and socially. I decided to seek out people who would represent these many kinds of diversity. So we reached out to everyone. No one was excluded. People who participated in the project ranged from the age of eight to ninety-one. Many different races of people were included in the quilt. Some people signed because of their occupations, such as firefighters and boy scouts. Others signed because of their countries of origin, such as Lebanon, Pakistan, India, Mexico, China, Viet Nam, and Egypt. There were patches for various churches, including the Baptists, Hindu, Orthodox Armenians, Jewish, and Muslim communities.  Descendants of the original settlers of Carrollton also signed the quilt.

The signed squares and strips were sent to the quilter with no instructions on where to place them. She did not know the participants and so they were randomly placed throughout the design.

And so the finished quilt became of tapestry of the diversity that is our city. It represents an ideal to which we can all aspire, with all the differences stitched into one beautiful whole.

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PRAVIN DESAI, PLACE 2
http://www.electpravindesai.com/

I love Carrollton. Over last 20 years the city has become very vibrant, safe and diverse. I want to maintain and improve this lifestyle for all the city residents. Over next few years the city will face significant shortfall in revenues and how we balance the budget will reflect how this lifestyle is affected or compromised

My 30 years of experience in managing costs and operational efficiency will allow us to look at the cost structure and provide significant revenue without increasing taxes or cutting safety services. My platform details are as below;

Platform

Over next three to four years our City will face huge financial challenges as the projected recurring sources of funds will decline significantly. The projected growth during that period will between 0.5% – 2%. As a result, the General funds comprising of Property tax, Sales tax, and Franchise fees will not recover to pre-recession levels until 2018.

In view of this assessment, initial reaction would be to increase the taxes and reduce the services. My platform is based on following areas:

Increase Revenue by Managing Costs, not by Tax Increase

·  Change the work culture to look at the problems with a new set of lenses and a laser focus into cost savings. No areas should be exempt.

·  More competitive partnership with our vendors to support us in our goals.

·  Develop a long term relationship with new entrepreneurs.

·  Develop a reward system for employees who bring new cost saving ideas.

·  Provide Tax incentives to New Businesses

·  Develop business models to achieve a win-win for city/investors/business owners.

·  Upgrade I-35 corridor in an innovative way.

·   Revitalize run down properties through investor/city partnership. H-mart was great success but we lost Vista Ridge Mall, Sam’s and Castle Hills.

·   Attract new business to the area, e.g. large theatres, Premium Restaurants, and international sports facilities.

·  Improve Management and Operation Efficiency

·  Huge potential to generate savings by 3 to 5% improvement in efficiency.

·  Provide Quality Lifestyle to Carrollton Residents

·  More Parks, Entertainment Centers, Sports Facilities, Road Development.

·  Adequate Firefighting capability, Ambulance services.

·  High standards of law enforcement.

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TERRY WRIGHT, PLACE 4http://www.wrightgroup.net/

Hello my name is Terry Wright  and I am Running for Carrollton City Council Place 4.

I have lived in Carrollton Texas over 17 years. I have been married 24 years to my wife Pam and we have 3 Children.  One that is a senior at R.L. Turner High School, One that is a freshman at Creekview High School and a 5^th grader at The St. Anthony’ School.

Owner of Architectural Firm: Wright Group Architects, Planners, PLLC. 110 S. Elm St, Carrollton, Texas 75007, 972.242.1015  twright@wrightgroup.net

Served as Planning & Zoning Commissioner from 2003 to 2009 for the City of Carrollton Where we set up standards for development for the TOD areas.  These are the areas around the train stations.

My Family and I am member of First Baptist Church Carrollton, Texas where I serve as deacon, Assist in teaching with 5^th graders and served on the building committee.

I am currently serving on the Advisory Board for METSA (Math, Engineering, Technology and Science Academy) @ R.L. Turner High School, CFBISD.  Also have set in several classes where we brought different professional in for a week to explain how we all work together in the different fields and have set on a board where the student present a project to a group of professionals.

  

My Architectural background, along with my contacts and clients and my working relationship with the Planning and building department has allowed me to bring in business and redeveloped existing building and site with in our city.

Also partners in PDC Services a commercial construction company where we offer design build solutions.

Also partners in T N T Construction which is a residential based construction company where we offer design build solutions.

A partner in Tri-Star Alliance which is a land investment company

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BOB GARZA, PLACE 4
www.BobGarza.Wordpress.com  

My name is Bob Garza and I am running for Carrollton City Council Place 4.  My wife Emily and I have lived in Carrollton for 22 years.  We have 2 grown children and 4 grandchildren.   I recently retired with 35 years of business experience with tenures in Finance, Auditing, IT, International and Governmental Relations.

I was appointed by City Council to the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Committee and have served for about 3 years.  This past year I was also appointed to the city Charter Review Committee.  I am Chairman of the Senior Adult Services board and also serve on the Dallas Telco Federal Credit Union Board.

I have been involved in the community for over 10 years having served on numerous boards of chambers and non-profit organizations. These include Bea's Kids, Metrocrest and Farmers Branch chambers, Trinity Medical Center hospital board and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Brookhaven Country Club.

My top 5 goals are:

 Quality Transit Oriented Development (TOD);
Fair and Equal representation for all Carrollton residents;
Promote continued efficiencies in delivery of all city services;
Promote Carrollton as a good place to work, live, and raise a family, and
Insist on a balanced budget with no tax increases.

I have a deep passion to serve the people of Carrollton and feel I have the experience, the will and the heart to do what is right for the city.  I have worked hard to prepare for this task and want to be a positive contributor to our growth and continued well being. 

I would truly appreciate your vote.   Thank you.

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CATHY HENESY, PLACE 4
http://www.cathyforcarrollton.com/

Hello, my name is Cathy Henesey and I would like to represent you in all aspects of Carrollton. I am not a career politician; I am a working citizen who cares about the same things as you do such as house values, taxes, places to eat and shop, parks and recreation, and good neighbor stewardship.

I graduated from Newman Smith High School in 1982 and I attended Texas Tech University, graduating with my MBA in Human Resources. I have had a successful career in recruiting for over 20 years and currently serve as a recruiting manager for Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. I am very involved in Carrollton, but this short bio won’t explain it all, so I would like to direct you to my website at www.cathyforcarrollton.com to learn more.

My life career is about inclusion as a human resource professional. I constantly strive for diversity in my career and bring this belief to everything that I do. I know that inclusion brings new ideas to old problems. I volunteer my expertise regularly to those searching for new careers. I serve on the Dallas Mayor’s Committee to assist those with disabilities find new careers. I would like to have a multicultural board that would include leaders from different communities that represent our city demographics; this board would present issues that are facing each community to the city manager and council.

My number is 214-725-0710 and my personal email is cathysphr@verizon.net. I believe in open communication and I welcome personal questions.

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TINO PATEL, PLACE 4
www.TinoPatel.com

I am running as a candidate for City Council, Place 4 because I care about maintaining and improving the quality of life for the current and future residents of Carrollton. We need to make smart fiscal decisions, ensure parks and community facilities are fully operational, even work with local schools, and keep our public safety departments fully staffed. While fostering a healthy business climate, revitalization of south Carrollton, and a renewed downtown with adequate parking, maintenance of our streets and infrastructure would be my priorities.

I have lived in Carrollton for over 10 years. I always had a question when I wanted to take my family out for a movie or even shopping, there are very little choices for me to spend my tax dollars in my City. I realized very soon that money was scarce and resources were not adequate when my subdivision park took 8 years to develop. This is a very simple observation which many of you would have noticed. As a Realtor®  when I suggest my clients to consider Carrollton for a place to live they always compare our city to Plano, Frisco or even Lewisville and prefer to choose one of them.

My mission is to make my City a desirable place to live. By bringing more new developments like retail centers, malls, entertainment and restaurants which will generate more tax dollars for the city and mean less burden on city residents. In return with a positive economic growth, house values will increase. Now is the time to change, if we cannot bring change now we will be left behind. More and more pressure will be on tax payers to maintain the city facility and infrastructure.

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We have to build a cohesive Carrollton where no Citizen of ours has to live in apprehension of the other.  If we allow negative energy and negative campaigns to creep in, it will eventually swallow every one. Instead of serving fellow Carrolltonians and enjoying life with our family and friends, we will be wasting our time scheming and maligning others. Please stop any one from maligning the other. Each candidate has enough good things to sell than resorting to the lowliness.

Dislaimer: I am a volunteer and have nothing to gain and I am not going to run for any elections but will continue to serve “any” organization in Carrollton if needed. I am a moderate Republican and will remain one, and am free from the bondage of party. My Loyalty is to America and will vote for the candidate who is right for my country, state and City.

Please don’t forget to register today.

As Americans together we need to build a cohesive America where no American has to live in apprehension of the other.  The organization to promote those ideals  is www.AmericaTogetherFoundation.com   

Thank you.

Mike Ghouse

Carrollton Voters, please register to vote today.

Today is the last day to register your name for voting in the upcoming city elections. There are many individuals who are willing to meet with you to register.  Your vote determines who you elect to run your city, please do not miss this opportunity.  If you have committed to a candidate, please call them to find the place for you. Candidate information is at http://carrolltondiary.blogspot.com/2011/04/candidate-information.html

If I get the names and numbers, I will post it at: http://Carrolltondiary.blogspot.com  

Tomorrow at 2:00 PM, I will post a 250 word statement from the candidates who have submitted their statement by Noon and mail you a copy and it will be posted on my facebook as well with my name.

City Elections

http://www.cityofcarrollton.com/index.aspx?page=215

The City of Carrollton will hold a General Election on May 14, 2011. 

The Mayor, Place 2, 4 & 6 will be on the ballot. 

Voter's Registration Information:

Voter Registration Applications are available online below. The LAST DAY for submitting a Voter Registration Application is April 14, 2011.

For voter's registration information, click on the appropriate county link below:

Dallas County
www.dalcoelections.org
Denton County
www.elections.dentoncounty.com

Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. Full information is encapsulated at www.MikeGhouse.net

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Candidate Information

http://www.cityofcarrollton.com/index.aspx?page=1509

This page contains information on public filings for elected office. The filings include applications for each candidate. Names are listed in order of filing.

March 14, 2011 is the last day to file an application to have name placed on the ballot for the May 14, 2011 Municipal Election.

Click here for a Contact List for Mayor & Council Candidates.

Mayor:                                                                    
Matthew Marchant                                           
Ron Branson           

Place 2: 

Anthony Wilder 
Bonnie Kaplan
Pravin Desai 

Place 4:                                                                

Terry Wright                                                   
Bob Garza
Cathy Henesey
Tino Patel

Place 6: 
Terry Simons

Last updated: 4/4/2011 8:15:40 AM
Information from the City Website

Mike Ghouse

Voter's Registration Information:

You must register to vote before April 14, to vote in the upcoming elections. At H Mart on Old Denton by George Bush, there will be several individuals ready to register you as a voter, make sure you take your drivers license copy. More information is below.  

http://www.cityofcarrollton.com/index.aspx?page=215

The City of Carrollton will hold a General Election on May 14, 2011. 
The Mayor, Place  2, 4 & 6 will be on the ballot. 

Candidate requirements can be found here.

Questions regarding candidate information or requirements should be directed to 972-466-3582 or via email by clicking the link here: City Secretary Office.

Voter's Registration Information:
Voter Registration Applications are available online below. The LAST DAY for submitting a Voter Registration Application is April 14, 2011.

For voter's registration information, click on the appropriate county link below:

Dallas County
www.dalcoelections.org

Denton County
www.elections.dentoncounty.com

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Thank you
Mike Ghouse

Prayers at Carrollton City Council

Invocation prayers at Carrollton City Council

7:00 PM, Tuesday, April 05, 2011

A Carrollton tradition

By Mike Ghouse, Pluralist

# # #

ON YOU TUBE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Git_8Grd3A

Dear Friends,

The following is an inclusive prayer called the prayer of Pluralism, indeed, Carrollton is only City in the United States where inclusiveness is appreciated and this is the 9^th time in the last four years. We are committed to building a cohesive Carrollton.

Let’s reflect, wish and pray:

Creator of the universe

Please accept our gratitude in every name we call upon you; Manito,  Yahweh, Elahi, Ishwar, Allah, Mahavira, Buddha, Wahe Guru, Ahura Mazda, mother earth and Jesus Christ.  

In your name we want to create a cohesive Carrollton, with care kindness and dignity to every one of the 122,000 residents of this beautiful City.  

Dear God,

Guide our Mayor and the council to serve us with integrity and honesty;
Guide us to serve our communities with the spirit of volunteerism;
Guide us to do the right thing every moment of our life;
Guide us to open our hearts and minds toward our fellow beings;
Guide us to shed the arrogance in us, and enrich us with humility
Guide us to become conflict mitigaters and goodwill nurturers.

Dear God,
Protect our men and women in uniforms committed to our safety and well being.

Help us learn to respect the uniqueness you have blessed to each one of the 122,000 of us in Carrollton,

And help us learn to respect everywhich way one worships you.

In your name, we bow to you.

Amen.

Pictures:

Video:

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 Mike Ghouse, President of America Together foundation is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day, and is available to speak at your place of worship, work or in seminars and conferences. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace.

The Foundation for Pluralism champions the idea of co-existence by respecting and accepting the otherness of other; and World Muslim Congress is committed to nurturing the pluralistic ideals embedded in Islam. His work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Municipal elections in City of Carrollton

http://carrolltondiary.blogspot.com/2011/04/municipal-elections-in-city-of.html

I am committed to the well being of our City and will continue to support the efforts in building an exemplary city of peace where no one is apprehensive of the other.

Election season has just begun in North Texas Municipalities and most of the city council elections are scheduled for May and I urge you to participate in the affairs of your City. It is important to seriously take the civic responsibility of choosing your next council person. The future of your city is dependent on the candidates you chose.

I am pleased to be involved with my City, the City of Carrollton in Texas. I delivered the invocation at the City Hall on Tuesday and attended the Candidates forum tonight and hope to participate in the coming forums.
 
The event was hosted by the Metropolitan community Church of Carrollton, a LGBT church and most of the candidates responded fairly well. There was one candidate who was called by his opponent to respond to the anti-GLBT stance his Church had taken in “apparently” calling on the Mayor not to meet with the special interest groups insinuating the GLBT members. Of course, the candidate is not responsible for the actions of others, but members of his Church had “apparently” attempted in vain. However, due to a lack of the follow up format, the candidate did not have the opportunity to disassociate himself with such a stance. There is next time!

The moderator of the event, pastor of the Church deserves appreciation for gracefully moving on to the next topic, when none of the candidates expressed support to pass ordinances in extending the medical benefits to domestic partnerships.

Former Mayor Becky Miller asked my reasons for not endorsing Pravin Desai. I shared my story with her about Bonnie Kaplan whom I am supporting.  Bonnie worked the Carrollton Quilt two years ago doing a real outreach and received participation from diverse Carrolltonians.  I had suggested her that she should run for the council.  Prior to the registration deadline, she asked for support and I gave the commitment, which I had shared with Pravin Desai as well when I met with him.  I wanted transparency and clarity, I am an inclusive person but when a commitment is made, one should stick with it and it should not alter the relationships formed.

Mayor Ron Branson was gracious about my support for Matthew Marchant; it was the same story, commitment made earlier on.

So, I am asking the candidate to make their call today to make it easy on the voters like me.  We all are friendly people in Carrollton and we care about each other.

The old saying, "early bird gets the worm" holds good in this election and it is as simple as that. No candidate can really turn the city upside down but certainly can take the initiatives to bring positive things.  All of you are great candidates. 

A few of the long time residents of Carrollton are apprehensive about the new demographics and the changing ethnicities with Transport oriented developments and they legitimately harbor phobias about the future make up of "their" city.  On the other hand people from different ethnicities, faith traditions and GLBT orientation are apprehensive about the old attitudes of some in "their" newly chosen City. As responsible members of the society, we have to mitigate the apprehensions and nurture goodwill. It is our City, your City, my City and every one's City.

I ask all of you to write an essay in about 250 words about your efforts in building a cohesive Carrollton, where no citizen is excluded” and write about your outreach efforts on your job, your past or whatever you have done.  

When I receive your op-ed, I will share it here at the http://carrolltondiary.blogspot.com/  and will mail out to my huge mailing list of Carrolltonians.

You are welcome to write you comments in the blog for publication, personal attacks will be deleted.

Mayoral candidates:
Branson, Ron - http://www.runwithron.net/ 
Marchant, Matthew  - http://www.matthewmarchant.com/ 

Place 2:
Desai, Pravin - http://www.electpravindesai.com/
Kaplan, Bonnie - http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Kaplan-for-Carrollton/158601764196487
Wilder Anthony - http://www.wilderforcarrollton.com/

Place 4:
Henesey, Cathy - http://www.cathyforcarrollton.com/
Garza, Bob - www.
Patel, Tino - www.
Wright, Terry - www.

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Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions to media and the public on issues of the day and is available to speak at your place of worship, work, seminars and conferences. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Islam, interfaith, India and peace.

The Foundation for Pluralism champions the idea of co-existence by respecting and accepting the otherness of other and World Muslim Congress is committed to nurturing the pluralistic ideals embedded in Islam. His work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Dallas Conference on building an inclusive America

PRESS RELEASE | INVITATION

Contact: MikeGhouse@aol.com

You are invited, details below

No American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America. 
Since our independence in 1776, we have been tested time and again by various political, economic and religious forces to divide us, however, at the end we have come out strong as one nation. The Civil War, the Great Depression, the World War, Pearl Harbor, Women’s rights, Abortion, the Vietnam War, Civil Rights, Budget Deficits, Unemployment, 9/11, the Iraq and Afghanistan War have all been difficult, but we will make it through and sanity will prevail.

The controversy over the Muslim Community Center in New York has unraveled the difficulties Catholics, Jews, Mormons, Wicca and others have endured.

We have come a long way to embrace and accept the otherness of other. However, this year has given rise to yet another temptation; to blame Islam, calling it an evil, evil religion and calling its prophet a false prophet. No American has to live in fear of the other, nor live in anxieties or discomfort.

Religion has been “abused” and “misused” to someone’s advantage, as Americans, are we going to let that happen? No, we can pull ourselves together and not fall for the temptations to divide ourselves.

If we make an effort, goodness will come to our rescue.   Mike Ghouse adds, “As members of diverse family of faiths, we seek to demystify the myths, malice and falsification of our respective faiths. It is time for all of us to gather and understand the Qur’aan, the holy book of Muslims, which has been the subject of attack by a few among us. Indeed, a conference is a positive response to negative sermons delivered from a few pulpits of America this year.”

The Conference puts the Quraan in the hands of panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons, elected officers and the public. The uniqueness of the event is highlighted by facing the “terrifying passages” of Quraan.  For the first time in history, the actual verses  from Quraan will be read directly and explained by panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons and elected officials who have a deep interest in bringing Americans together on common grounds.  The Muslim scholars either affirm their reading or share the additional information right from the very Quraan for further understanding.

It is time now to replace the ill-will with goodwill; no American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum in the public and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America. 

When: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Unity Church,

6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX

. 75230

Event: Qur’aan Conference in Dallas
Purpose: To demystify the myths about Quraan and Islam
Website: http://www.quraanconference.com/
Inquiries: quraanconference@gmail.com
RSVP: Confirmattendance@gmail.com
Call: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916

THE EVENT IS FREE

Thank you.
Mike Ghouse for
A COHESIVE AMERICA,
AMERICANS TOGETHERhttp://www.quraanconference.com/ 

Documentary – listed at www.QuraanConference.com

Quraan (Koran) Conference in Dallas, an American effort to build cohesive societies

The Conference puts a Quraan in the hands of panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, lay persons, elected officers and the public. It is to demystify the myths about Quraan and Islam. An American effort to build cohesive societies.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct 10, 2010 - DALLAS, TEXAS - The Foundation for Pluralism and the World Muslim Congress have announced a conference on Quraan in Dallas to be held between 3:00 PM and 6 PM on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at the Unity Church of Dallas.  

Representing the organizations, Mike Ghouse adds, "As members of diverse family of faiths, we seek to demystify the myths and falsification of our respective faiths. It is time for all of us to gather and understand the Qur'aan, the holy book of Muslims, which has been the subject of attack by a few among us. Indeed, the conference is a positive response to negative sermons delivered from a few pulpits of America this year."

The uniqueness of the event is highlighted by facing the "terrifying passages" of Quraan.  For the first time in history, the actual verses from Quraan will be read directly and explained by non-Muslim panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons and elected officials who have a deep interest in bringing Americans together on common grounds.  The Muslim scholars either affirm their reading or refer to the Quraan for further understanding. It would be indeed a first hand educational experience.

It is time now to replace the ill-will with goodwill; no American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum in the public and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America.  

Bring your children to experience the multi-cultural costumes in a designated room for them.

Refreshments will be served after the event.

THE EVENT IS FREE

Please R.S.V.P. to confirmattendance@gmail.com  
Direct your inquiries to QuraanConference@gmail.com .

For details visit website http://www.quraanconference.com/

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, writer, optimist, educator and an activist of Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam and Civil Societies. He heads the Foundation for Pluralism and World Muslim Congress and offers Pluralistic solutions to the media and the public on issues of the day.  Mike's work is reflected at three websites & twenty two Blogs listed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Unity Day USA - a 911 Memorial event

We are pleased to invite you to Unity Day USA; a purposeful event to bring Americans together. The idea for Unity Day USA was first conceived on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 and took its current form on Sunday, September 11, 2005. We cannot let things happen and drift into the abyss of incoherence. It is an initiative to come together to stand up for the safety, security and cohesiveness of America.

Continued: http://911unitydayusa.blogspot.com/

Press Release, Holocaust and Genocides in Dallas

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916,
email: MikeGhouse@aol.com
event email: HolocaustandGenocides@gmail.com
Website: http://www.holocaustandgenocides.com/

III ANNUAL REFELCTIONS ON THE HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDES

DALLAS – (January 14, 2010) –The Foundation for Pluralism announces the 7/7 speakers Panel to reflect upon the Holocaust and Genocides event at 5:00 PM on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at the Center for Spiritual Center, 4801 Spring Valley Road, Dallas, TX. 75244.

Each individual in the seven member panel would acknowledge the inhumanity in each one of us and reflect upon the solutions for co-existence. It is a purposeful event to learn, acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things, that we humans have inflicted upon each other.

What can you do as individual?

Continue: http://holocaustandgenocides.blogspot.com/2010/01/press-release-on-holocaust-and.html
~ ~ ~

A tribute to Jesus

A tribute to Jesus on this Christmas;
What does it mean to be religious?
Mike Ghouse

This column is dedicated to Rev. Petra Weldes of the Center for Spiritual Living in Dallas. Some of my conversation with her inspired me to write this tribute to Jesus and what it means to be religious.

Continued: http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2009/12/tribute-to-jesus.html

~~~

Carrollton's Ghouse calls for Interfaith

Carrollton's Ghouse calls for Interfaith Understanding after Holocaust Museum Slaying

6:25 PM Thu, Jun 11, 2009 Permalink
Dianne Solis/Reporter Bio E-mail News tips

Like many, Mike Ghouse was horrified and worried when he heard about the fatal shooting this week at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.

Who was the killer behind the death of security guard Stephen Johns?

The Carrollton resident, homebuilder and property manager, hoped it would not fuel religious tensions. "I thought why do people have hate," Ghouse said. "That was my first response."

Ghouse is an avid blogger and many of his commentaries can be found at www.mikeghouse.net and an array of links. He called for more understanding as details poured out about the violence at the Holocaust Museum.

Fifteen years ago he founded the Foundation of Pluralism. Its mission is to embrace and accept the eccumenical ways of the world. "There is not a faith we haven't covered," he says.

He is a Muslim himself and originally emigrated from the Bangalore area of India some 30 years ago.

"I will never claim my faith is superior to others," he says. "Every faith is beautiful to me. The inability to accept the differences of others causes conflict."

And when weekend worship comes, Ghouse likes to bounce around North Texas to different houses of worship, including a few synagogues.
...
Mike Ghouse has shared his thoughts. Please share your own.

Orginal Article was published at:
Muslims Condemn display of hate at Holocaust Museum
http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2009/06/muslims-condemn-display-of-hate-at.html

_________________

Comments
Posted by Mike Ghouse @ 8:36 AM Fri, Jun 12, 2009

I have received a lot of flak for saying "I will never claim my faith is superior to others,” This arrogance is the mother of all conflict.

Think about this; Spirituality and Arrogance are inversely proportional to each other. Higher the arrogance, lower the spirituality (humility or religiosity).

Most people, religious or not, believe that the purpose of religion is transform an individual to be a good human being to him and what surrounds him or her. Most people get it, a few don't.

Every one of the spiritual masters had a similar message - the whole world is one family, indeed, our pledge of allegiance is the most beautiful thing “one nation under God with liberty and justice for all".

What happened at Holocaust Museum is sad and all of us need to stand together in solidarity, not to be against some one, but to be together for all. It is our duty to work towards safety and security of every one of the 301 Million of us. No one will be safe unless every one around him or her is not.

As a society we need to have long term plans and dialogues with extremists. Every human is amenable to goodness, we cannot eliminate hate with anger and drastic actions, we can fade it out with love and long term plans to have goodness for one and all. Together, we can gradually shape a better society with patience.

Stereotyping Muslims, Jews, Christians, Hindus or others is another evil, some of us give room to in our hearts, remove it and see the joy of being open mindedness, that is what God is, open minded, all embracing, all loving.

Visit every place of worship and see how many ways you can appreciate the causer of life.

I appreciate Dallas Morning News for giving a lift to good happenings that gives hopes to the mankind when things like the hate at display at the Holocaust Museum.

Carrollton quilt project stitches community together

There are so many ways of forging the communities to come together for the well being of itself, and the Carrollton quilt project stitches community together and will go down in the history as a record of doing it.

The idea is brilliant and the focus is right. This is one simple way to bring the communities together.

I pray every community and every city starts working on it... it is in our interest to understand each other, live as a cohesive community and contribute towards the wellbeing of community life.

Thanks Bonnie for this initiative

Mike Ghouse
Carrollton


Carrollton quilt project aims to stitch together migration to city over century
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=211756900651&h=uP4wa&u=2ILVc&ref=mf

Bonnie Kaplan says she wants to put the unity back in community.

The former Carrollton city councilmember leads a move to stitch the city's various narratives together in a community quilt--a signature quilt--that will be displayed in the city's historical museum. The quilt started as a fundraising project to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the A.W. Perry Homestead. A museum bears that homestead's name.

But constructing the narrative of the city became something deeper as Kaplan reached out to different niches in this city of 124,000. Others have had a similar experience with quilts that chronicle life--and death. Think of the AIDs memorial quilt and how it grew, or the history recorded in the fabric and appliqués in African-American quilts from slave days. Or maybe think of your mother's block quilt, stitched together from scraps of fabric used for the dresses and blouses of your youth.

For Kaplan, the fund-raiser's morphed into an exercise in demography. She realized how much change had swept through Carrollton.

And she'd like signatures from those with long-time roots and those among the many immigrant communities. About a fourth of the city is foreign-born.

Kaplan's reaching out to Muslims, to the Vietnamese, Korean, and Mexican and Salvadoran immigrant communities, as well as long established black and Latino residents.

Tuesday, she was collecting autographs at the City Council meeting, including the signature of new politicos like Jeff Andonian. Josh Potter, an Eagle Scout, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and then he got courted by Kaplan, who soon had him signing a fabric ribbon for the quilt.

Anyone who wants to be stitched up should contact Kaplan at be.kaplan@verizon.net. She'd like to get signatures together and delivered by mid-June to a veteran quilter.

Also in Carrollton Leader:
http://www.planostar.com/articles/2009/06/04/carrollton_leader/news/53.txt

Carrollton Candidates

Please feel free to write your comments below
Thank you

Carrollton Elections

City of Carrollton General Election May 9, 2009
NOTICE OF CITY OFFICERS' ELECTION

To the Registered Voters of the City of Carrollton, Texas:

Notice is hereby given that the polling places listed below will be open from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. on SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2009, for voting in a General Election to elect four Council members - one for Place 1; one for Place 3; one for Place 5; and one for Place 7.

THE POLLING PLACES LISTED BELOW WILL BE OPEN FROM 7:00 A.M. TO
7:00 P.M. ON SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2009:

LOCATIONS OF POLLING PLACES PRECINCTS
Dallas County (Condado de Dallas)

Central Elementary School 1400, 1407, 1408, and/y 1409 - 1600 S. Perry Road

Newman Smith High School 1402, 1404, and/y 1405 - 2335 N. Josey Lane

Country Place Elementary School 1401, 1403, 1406 and/y 1411 - 2115 Raintree

Denton County (Condado de Denton)


Rosemeade Recreation Center 204, 206, 211, 215, 217, and/y 225 - 1330 Rosemeade Parkway

Thompson (Woodlake) Elementary School 205, 209, and/y 212 - 2915 Scott Mill Road

Carrollton Public Library @ Hebron & Josey 200, 203, 208, 213, 218, and/y 221 -4220 N. Josey Lane


EARLY VOTING BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE WILL BE CONDUCTED AT JOSEY RANCH LAKE LIBRARY, 1700 KELLER SPRINGS AND AT HEBRON & JOSEY LIBRARY – 4220 NORTH JOSEY LANE AS FOLLOWS:

April 27-May 1 (Monday – Friday) 8am -- 5pm
May 2 (Saturday) 8 am -- 5pm
May 3 (Sunday) 1pm -- 6pm
May 4-May 5 (Monday – Tuesday) 7am -- 7pm

APPLICATIONS FOR BALLOT BY MAIL SHALL BE MAILED TO:
Aplicaciones para boletas en ausencia serán enviadas por correo a:

Bruce Sherbet, Early Voting Clerk
8th Floor Elections Department
2377 N. Stemmons Frwy.
Dallas, Texas 75207

Applications for ballots by mail must be received no later than the close of business (5:00
p.m.) on Friday, May 1, 2009.

Issued this the 17th day of February 2009.

By/por: ____________________________________

Ronald F. Branson, Mayor/Alcalde

Voter's Registration Information
For voter's registration information, click on the appropriate county link below:

Dallas County
www.dalcoelections.org

Denton County
www.elections.dentoncounty.com

Carrollton Daily

Big screen dreamsFilmmaking is becoming a popular pursuit among Carrollton natives and residents. - Wednesday, February 25, 2009 12:44 PM CST

City to offer incentives for new signs near downtownThe city of Carrollton plans to actively go out to businesses on Belt Line Road, between Josey Lane and Myers Street, to let them know of a new program that will provide incentives for new signs. - Wednesday, February 25, 2009 12:44 PM CST

(SLIDESHOW) Nature Tales at Elm Fork Nature PreserveMatt Nachtrieb/Staff Photo - Wednesday, February 25, 2009 11:58 AM CST

State: Lawmakers weighing impact of stimulus participationEditor’s note: This weekly report on the state legislature is compiled from daily informational reports supplied by Richard Lee and other sources. - Saturday, February 21, 2009 1:09 AM CST

Carrollton creates stimulus planThe city of Carrollton is taking steps to help residents ease the stress of unemployment with a new stimulus program. - Wednesday, February 18, 2009 11:46 AM CST

Raises for C-FB ISD teachers may depend on votersSalary increases for teachers in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD may be in the hands of voters. - Wednesday, February 18, 2009 11:46 AM CST

Students explain “Why we celebrate”A group of Creekview High School students spent Friday explaining the significance of black history in an original play “Why We Celebrate.” - Wednesday, February 18, 2009 11:46 AM CST

State Legislature: Economy linked to state’s strong banking industryEditor’s note: This weekly report on the state legislature is compiled from daily informational reports supplied by Richard Lee and other sources. - Saturday, February 14, 2009 9:55 AM CST

Carrollton: Police to enforce new traffic ordinance beginning MondayThe Carrollton Police Department will begin enforcing a new city ordinance enacted by the Carrollton City Council beginning Feb. 16. The ordinance authorizes officers to impound vehicles that have been stopped for violations of city or state traffic laws or other laws applicable to the operation of a vehicle on the roadway and the vehicle’s owner or operator fails to show proof of financial responsibility as required by the Texas Transportation Code. - Thursday, February 12, 2009 12:20 PM CST

(SLIDESHOW) Lego Construction class at Rosemeade Recreation CenterMatt Nachtrieb/Staff Photo - Thursday, February 12, 2009 12:02 PM CST

Election filing under wayThe Carrollton City Council is set for an overhaul this spring with four seats up for election and three current council members unable to run for re-election because of term limits. - Wednesday, February 11, 2009 3:21 PM CST

Carrollton man slain during robberyThe Carrollton Police Department is looking for two males suspected of robbing and murdering a Carrollton man in January. - Wednesday, February 11, 2009 3:21 PM CST

State: Early senate focus on health, education, online safetyHealth, education and online safety have been the issues at the forefront of Texas Senate discussions during the first two weeks of the 81st Legislative Session in Austin. - Sunday, February 8, 2009 11:30 PM CST

PR - II Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides

II ANNUAL REFLECTIONS ON HOLOCAUST & GENOCIDES

Our Mission is to create awareness of the inhumanity in all of us, and discover and create solutions for peaceful co-existence. We need to remind ourselves frequently to do our share to make the world a better place to live, vow to say “never again” to human atrocities, and at this annual occasion dare to practice the power of forgiveness.

II ANNUAL REFLECTIONS ON HOLOCAUST & GENOCIDES
Day: Sunday, January 25, 2009
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Place: UNITY CHURCH OF DALLAS, 6525 Forest Lane • Dallas, TX 75230
Contact: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
email: MikeGhouse@aol.com
Website: www.HolocaustandGenocides.org

RSVP: ConfirmAttendance@Gmail.com

Dallas Morning News:
http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/01/reflections-on-holocaust-and-g.html

Details - Press release:
http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Articles/Holocaust-and-Genocides-Press-Release-011709.asp


Mike Ghouse,
Event Chair (214) 325-1916
www.FoundationforPluralism.com
www.WorldMuslimCongress.com

All articles list

March 2008

May 14, Carrollton interfaith Luncheon
Town hall meeting on 4-22-08
National Day of Prayer
Carrollton Early Elections
Register to Vote by the 9th
Meet Mayor this Sunday.
Interfaith Luncheon

April 2008

Keep Carrollton Beautiful
Great American Clean up
Public input on Grants
Honoring Cesar Chavez
Mayor Becky Miller honored
Becky Miller for Mayor
Carrollton Interfaith group
Prayers in City Hall
Obama, the Shepherd
Obama Rally

May 2008

The Final Journey of Najma Ghouse
Farewell to Becky Miller

June 2008

Volunteer opportunities
Teen Advisory Receives Scholarships

July 2008

Gas Hills of Carrollton
Carrollton Immigration issues

December

Christmas - Kwanza - Zartosht Diso - Muharram

Christmas - Kwanza - Zartosht Diso - Muharram - Yalda

DECEMBER FESTIVALS -2008
Christmas - Kwanza - Zartosht Diso - Muharram - Yalda
Summary of other Festivals of December in the link at the bottom of this page
"If your festival is missing, please share it with me and my world of friends"

Let's learn a little bit about our friends, neighbors and co-workers, and how they commemorate or celebrate their lives. Friendship is an amazing thing, it takes time to know, but when you do, a lot of myths about others disappear - and you find an amazing peace within you for knowing some one from some group, whom you thought otherwise..oh well, you got it. I have compiled, borrowed and added a few notes to learn and share about the following festivals and commemorations. It is not perfect but selected for a lay person to grasp it. For example the write up about Zartosht no-deso is very elementary to Zoroastrians but meaningful to others.

Please join us to reflect upon the Holocaust and Genocides. Let's make room in our hearts for the precious feelings for human helplessness. Kindly mark your calendars for 7:00 - 9:15 PM on Saturday, January 24th, 2009. Details at: www.HolocaustandGenocides.com or try .org

Click here to read the details of the festivals listed above:

http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Articles/December-Festivals-Christmas-Kwanza-ZortoshtDiso-Muharram-Z.asp

Mike Ghouse is a Speaker, Thinker and a Writer on Pluralism, interfaith, terrorism, peace, interfaith, Islam, Multiculturism and India. He is a frequent guest on talk radio and local television network discussing interfaith, political and civic issues. His comments, news analysis and columns can be found on the Websites and Blogs listed at his personal website www.MikeGhouse.net. Mike is a Dallasite for nearly three decades and Carrollton is his home town. He can be reached at MikeGhouse@gmail.com

Gas Hills of Carrollton

http://carrolltondiary.blogspot.com/2008/07/gas-hills-of-carrollton.html

The following Dallas news story gives a lot of hope, particularly to the North Carrollton residents living around the Indian Creek community. I am glad to see this happening, and hope a similar step will be taken by the DFW Landfill. Conservation is good!

Mike Ghouse

Editorial: Gas from garbage
09:04 AM CDT on Friday, July 18, 2008
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/editorials/stories/DN-mccomas_18edi.ART.State.Edition1.4ddbf67.html

Despite the persuasive power of Tommy Lee Jones, Dallas won't be pumping a bonanza of natural gas from belowground. The city doesn't have the luck to be sitting atop major Barnett Shale gas formed over billions of years.

But eat your heart out, Tommy Lee. What Dallas does have is the technology and ingenuity to create its own natural gas in a matter of a few months. It's an exciting, forward-thinking venture that will make the most out of a decidedly unexciting thing: household trash.
Put that in your well and light it, cowboy.

The McCommas Bluff Landfill near Interstates 45 and 20 is Dallas' man-made gas field. The first biotechnology cell – a massive, 30-acre, pipe-laced, liquid-infused, microbial-rich burial mound of refuse – is now taking shape there. By fall, its decomposing waste will begin creating enough methane to enter pipelines. The cell could eventually produce as much gas as a couple of respectable Barnett wells – enough to serve the needs of 9,000 homes (based on typical use of 5,000 cubic feet a month).

Think of it as extreme recycling.

Trash-to-energy projects have cropped up around the country, perhaps 100 so far, with a concentration on the East Coast. It would figure that Dallas' biotech operation may be the biggest one yet once fully developed, with seven working cells.

(The project is in keeping with the visitor bureau's "Live Large" slogan, but somehow we doubt tour buses will be making loops around Dallas' cutting-edge trash heaps.)

Any backyard composter with delusions of selling gas to the neighbors should first consider the scale. Figure the average household tosses out 7.2 pounds of refuse a day. At that rate, it would take 91,324 years to create a trash heap just one-tenth the size of the first McCommas cell.
A more rational person might start smaller and think personal use. And these people are out there. (Google up methane and do-it-yourself.) But to join them, be prepared to irritate the neighbors. A good backyard methane pit uses a lot of pig and chicken manure.

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Carrollton Immigration issues

http://carrolltondiary.blogspot.com/2008/07/carrollton-immigration-issues.html

The following letter was published in Dallas Morning News -http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/letters/stories/DN-letters_0725edi.North.Edition1.12605da.html

As a Carrolltonian, I ask the Mayor and the City Council to stop wasting their time on matters that are not going to make one bit of a difference to any Citizen of Carrollton. Not a penny's worth of benefit will accrue to any.

English is the language we conduct our court and general business. To make it official is redundant. People will continue to speak German, Chinese, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, French, Japanese or British in their homes. Perhaps our first Lady Bush speaks Spanish with her family, stop her!

I hope Mayor Branson did not say this "that if a resolution kept one illegal immigrant out of Carrollton, "it would be worth it." Let the Mayor earn the political support by doing good things and not pandering to those prejudiced ones, those few handful, less than 1/10th of 1% (110) of our population of 110,000 people who would like to get rid of any one who does not look like them, talk like them.

It is time the Carrolltonians ask the City Council to focus on doing things that benefit the City or the public in general.

Feel free to write your comments below;

Mike Ghouse
http://www.carrolltondiary.com/
http://carrolltondiary.blogspot.com/

Carrollton City Council to appoint panel on illegal immigration
12:59 AM CDT on Saturday, July 19, 2008

By BRANDON FORMBY /
The Dallas Morning News

bformby@dallasnews.com

The Carrollton City Council is expected to appoint a residents' task force to develop possible approaches to illegal immigration.

The idea for such a group came late Friday during a council retreat after council members failed to reach a consensus on proposed illegal immigration resolutions.

Mayor Ron Branson and council member Terry Simons had proposed a resolution affirming English as the city's official language, arguing that it would deter illegal immigrants.
But council members Tim Hayden and Herb Weidinger disagreed.

Mr. Hayden said such a resolution would do little more than generate headlines.
"I'm trying to follow the logic, but I'm getting lost," he said.

Mr. Branson said that if a resolution kept one illegal immigrant out of Carrollton, "it would be worth it."

He has said that one of his top priorities as mayor will be to work to rid the city of illegal immigrants, some of whom he said moved to Carrollton after neighboring Farmers Branch made them unwelcome with its efforts to prevent them from renting property.

Carrollton already participates in the Criminal Alien Program, which has jailers contacting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers when they think a detainee is in the U.S. illegally. And in April, the city was accepted into a federal program that trains local police to act as immigration officers.

Mr. Branson resigned from the City Council in 2006 for health reasons but unseated the incumbent mayor in May.

Farmers Branch made English the city's official language in 2006. The Oak Point City Council adopted a resolution supporting the use of English as the official language of documents in this small Denton County town last summer.

Council member John Mahalik said he did not want Carrollton to be lumped together with cities such as Farmers Branch that have drawn widespread attention for their approaches to illegal immigration. But he also said he would support a resolution making English Carrollton's official language.

Council member Pat Malone raised the question of whether a resolution would have any significant impact. She also wondered whether it would send a message to residents that the council cares about the problem of illegal immigration.

The council also failed to reach a consensus on a proposed resolution supporting Farmers Branch's approach to illegal immigration, which has included ordinances that have been blocked by or tied up in court.

Council member Matthew Marchant did not voice support or opposition on the resolutions. Council member Larry Williams was not at the retreat Friday.

The council is likely to vote on the structure and membership of the task force in September.

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