Letters to the Editor

September 17, 2007

Questions remain about resettlement of refugees in this area

To the editor:

I would like to address the question of the resettlement of refugees in Hagerstown. Bob Maginnis raised some interesting questions in his column of Aug. 29 concerning the poor public relations effort by the Virginia Council of Churches.

It would appear that the VCC has not learned anything about public relations since its last episode. I have yet to see any announcement to the local public that there will be a meeting to address concerns about the possible resettlement of more refugees in this area. (Other than the information in the column by Maginnis)

The column appeared only three weeks before the event. In some cases, that might not be enough time to alter schedules by persons interested in attending the meeting and providing some input.

To forestall any concerns by Tim Rowland that I am xenophobic, I am not in any way opposed to the resettlement of these unfortunate people in this area, as long as the process does not place further economic burdens on those who live here now.

My first question to the VCC is: Why Hagerstown? There are many small towns in Virginia where these people might be resettled. Another area of concern would be the services required by these people. I am under the impression that if you sponsor a person or persons into this country, you are responsible for them. Does that include any medical care they might require?

Will they have translators available if needed? How long after these refugees are settled in the community does the VCC stop providing support to them? What, if any, other communities have had the VCC assist in resettling refugees in their areas? What has been the experience in those communities?

Inviting elected officials and some vociferous critics is not the same as opening the meeting to the general public - the people who will be asked to pick up the tab once the VCC has left the scene. An explanation to us might be helpful, but I suspect that will not be forthcoming. As with many other things, those of us who might have to pay the bill will have little say in the matter.

I frankly think that The Herald-Mail is somewhat remiss in not seeking independent answers to some of the above questions.

C. Edgar Mullenix
Hagerstown

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