The Montgomery County Council accepted a $450,000 federal grant last week to run an anti-gang center in Gaithersburg or Germantown over the next two years — but not before a member of the county's anti-illegal immigration group used the public hearing to air her concerns over the impacts of illegal immigration.
Not expecting anyone to testify, the council had scheduled a joint public hearing and decision on the appropriation into its Fiscal 2010 budget. But two residents opposed the center.
Margaret Montouri — a member of the group Help Save Maryland — called county leaders "out of touch with what the citizens of Montgomery County really think and want" regarding illegal immigration.
"In light of the recent round-up of the 19 members of the Latin King gang on charges of racketeering and conspiracy, the racketeering charges of four members of MS-13 in 2007 and the horrific gang-related murders in Maryland, your proposal to open a youth center is appalling," she said at the Dec. 8 hearing, the council's last before adjourning for the holidays. "... I cannot and should not have to pay for the decision of parents who bring children or have children in this country under an illegal status. Americans are paying the consequences. Our schools, our health care system including the mobile units, clinics, hospitals, our roads and infrastructure; even mortgage lending are negatively influenced."
Councilwoman Duchy Trachtenberg bristled at the "negative" tone of Montouri's testimony.
"I am offended by the negative nature of what you said," said Trachtenberg (D-At large) of North Bethesda. "I do not believe that you speak for the community at large, and I am very struck by the fact that the comments were provided as we adjourn shortly for the holiday season, the holiday season of acceptance and love and brotherhood."
When Montouri asked to respond, Council President Nancy M. Floreen cut her off. That prompted Councilwoman Valerie Ervin to voice her support for Trachtenberg's "courageous stand" in defense of the county's foreign-born residents.
"I want to just say that I will be, once again, very supportive of every effort that this county makes to support young people, no matter who they are, what their last name is, or their address," said Ervin (D-Dist. 5) of Silver Spring.
Approved by Congress this summer, the grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs and Bureau of Justice Assistance will pay to run the center for two years, serving roughly 100 youths per year. A pending $250,000 federal grant would be used to boost programs and the number of youths served if approved.
The county's Department of Health and Human Services hopes the center will open by early spring. HHS plans to put out a request for proposals this month before choosing a nonprofit or private organization to run the center. Finding and paying for a location will be up to the vendor.
Some on the council worried last week what will happen once the two-year grant runs out.
"We don't have any money to burn, and the fact that this is federal money is no excuse to burn it," said Councilman Marc Elrich (D-At Large) of Takoma Park. "My interest is that we really look closely at making sure that we take advantage of all the other providers that are out there, and that this isn't just another thing that eventually will not have a grant and will require the county to fund."
The upcounty center would be modeled after the Crossroads Youth Opportunity Center in Takoma Park. The Montgomery-Prince George's partnership offers GED classes, mental health counseling, legal advice and job training to more than 200 youths.
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009
by Sebastian Montes
Staff Writer for the Gazette
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