Permission to reprint or copy this article or photo, other than personal use, must be obtained from BARRIOZONA,
Call 480-983-1445 or e-mail admin@barriozona.com with your request
BARRIOZONA
May 22, 2008
Remarks by Mrs. Julie Erfle:
"Eight months ago when it was revealed that the person responsible for my husband’s death was in this country illegally, I
watched and listened as people debated not just what the Police Department should do about illegal immigration but
what also needs to be done on a larger scale in this country.
"And for the most part I have remained silent. I have not said much on this issue. But today I’d like to speak out. I would
like to speak out in support of this policy. I believe this is a very good policy. A well thought out policy, for a couple of
reasons.
"One, because this policy took into consideration the experts in this matter and that is the Officers. The people who are out
there, day in and day out, performing this job. Officers in the streets, our Sergeants, our Lieutenants. Those are the people
who know best how to keep this city safe.
"However, the policy also balances concerns of citizens. It provides for Supervisor approval and it also provides for a way
to track the information and let us know what is happening out on a street level.
"I also want to note that I think that just a couple of months ago, maybe just a couple of weeks ago, what we have here
today seemed impossible. I think we should all be very interested and proud to see who is standing here in support of this
policy. We have our Chief, we have our Mayor, members of our Council, members of our Police Unions. All in support of
this policy. It almost makes me want to sing “Kumbaya,” but I won’t. I will not do that.
"This is a great policy and I think it’s a great day for the city of Phoenix. However, there is more to be done. This country is
in need of comprehensive immigration reform. We need comprehensive immigration reform that puts safety and humanity
on an equal footing.
"And I’ll say that again. We need comprehensive immigration reform that puts safety and humanity on an equal footing.
"We cannot have one without the other. For too long we have listened to the extremes of both sides, tell us what should or
shouldn’t be done and what can and cannot be done. And we have yet to find common ground.
"I believe common ground exists. I believe that there are solutions out there. We can no longer let our airwaves and our
papers be controlled by those who refuse to find any type of common ground. Today I would like to propose that because
our leaders in Washington seem to refuse to do anything on this matter, because as I’ve been told, it’s an election year, it’
s too controversial of an issue, and nothing will be done. I would like to propose that this state takes the lead on this issue.
"We are a border state. We have a vested interest in what happens. So I would love to see Governor Napolitano set up a
taskforce of individuals, individuals who could come together and make recommendations on what could be done on a
state level and what needs to be done on a national level to provide comprehensive immigration reform. I believe this
should be a taskforce that is first and foremost nonpartisan.
"We have already seen what happens when there are people who join together for the sole purpose of political gain.
Nothing happens. You need people who are interested in this issue and do not have a political agenda. We need
individuals who are here because they are experts on immigration. Individuals who can give their perspective, their
knowledge, their insight into what needs to be done on a safety level. Enforcement. What needs to be done needs to be
done on a humanitarian level. Civil, Criminal law, Constitutional law and so forth. I believe this is a real possibility. I believe
if we do this, we can finally find solutions.
"For far too long, we have done nothing. And because of that, people across this country have paid dearly. And some have
paid with their lives. Doing nothing should not be an option.
"My husband was an inspiration to many people, because of the way he lived his life. Because of his strength and his
courage, when facing some pretty insurmountable odds. I believe his death can also be an inspiration. An inspiration for
positive change. I hope that we will take the lessons from his death and we will heed those lessons, and we will move
forward. I hope that today will be a first step in immigration reform, and not a last step. Thank you.
Copyright © 2008 Hispanic Institute of Social Issues
Grassroots Journalism
www.barriozona.com
|
Widow of Slain Police Officer Nick Erfle Calls
for Comprenhensive Immigration Reform
Julie Erfle, widow of Officer Nick Erfle, spoke to members of the media and public officials during the
press conference where changes to Operations Order 4.1 were announced.