DALLAS — Some 25,000 people took to the streets of downtown Dallas May 1 to protest the Arizona immigration law and to support of immigration reform in Congress.
After that event, some Dallas City Council members said they would sponsor a resolution boycotting — or at least criticizing — Arizona.
Then, nothing.
But the controversial resolution is still alive.
When the marchers faded away, the City Council's anti-Arizona resolution appeared to be fading, too. But Council member Steve Salazar says that's not the case.
"We have softened the position as far as toward Arizona," he explained. "What we're saying is, we want to support those individuals and cities who oppose laws such as Arizona, but not boycotting Arizona."
Following the May 1 march, Salazar and fellow Council member Delia Jasso said they would bring up a resolution either calling for a boycott or condemning the Arizona law as not right for Texas.
Mayor Tom Leppert opposed the measure, and says he still does.
Tea party members said they'll rise up against it, too. "It's none of Texas', of Dallas' business what Arizona does to protect its citizens or its economy," said Phillip Dennis, one of the leaders of the Dallas Tea Party.
But with support strong for the Arizona law among voters — and perhaps a Council majority — Salazar plans a new version of the resolution. It would back Arizona cities that oppose the immigration law, and support Dallas Council members attending the National League of Cities conference in Phoenix next year.
"A boycott is a negative action; a positive action is to support," Salazar said.
But Dennis said Arizona activities shouldn't be on the Dallas municipal radar. "I would admonish the Dallas City Council to concentrate on the problems going on here on our turf," he said.
The City Council gets back to work next week after the summer break, and despite the big budget challenge ahead, Salazar said he will bring up resolution in August.
E-mail bwatson@wfaa.com
