I am addressing this letter to the few people who have responded negatively to my vote on the Cinco de Mayo event, not to the many people who have responded favorably (including several that have come to my place of work to personally thank me).

The intent of my vote has been taken totally out of context and twisted to make this a much bigger issue than was originally intended. My vote was meant to delay this celebration until certain issues are resolved. When the issue is resolved, then by all means bring on the festivities, and I would gladly attend.

I love Latin music, since I am a ballroom dancer and love the Latin dances. I have attended many ethnic festivals and have really enjoyed them. The Cinco de Mayo event, I agree, does not literally have anything to do with illegal immigration. In many people's minds, however, it puts a focus on a country of origin with which the U.S. is having a considerable problem now concerning the issue of illegal immigration.

I have been called a bigot, prejudicial, and several other names by people who have written to the paper - that is an unfair statement since, as I previously stated, I am not against legal immigration. What I believe, however, is that this is a nation of law-abiding citizens who believe that to be able to live in this country and work in harmony, you should follow the rules. People who do not come into this country the way they are supposed to are illegal aliens, not illegal immigrants. Immigrants do things the legal way. Illegal aliens are destroying our jobs, our economy, our hospitals, our schools and so much more.

It has been said that I should address things locally. Does that mean that because we have a small (but growing) Hispanic population, we should ignore the entire situation? Well, this is a national issue, which affects us locally, too. If you do your research, you will find that the cost of illegal immigration far surpasses the advantages. Sooner or later, Monroe will feel the economic effect of illegal immigration. To ignore this is sticking your head in the sand. And as a city councilwoman, I am trying to keep in mind the many people of Monroe (including myself) who cannot afford to absorb the cost of illegal aliens. There are obviously differences of opinion on this subject, and I respect the opinions of those who disagree with me, for I am sure they also must think they are doing the right thing. I just hope some reasonable resolution will be found for this problem soon.

I welcome diversity of our nation, that is what made our nation so great and why people seek to come here. But to come here, there are rules that must be followed and the law of the land should trump everything else. If people don't like the law of the land, then they should change it. But as long as it is the law, then it should be followed. So, with that being said, my opinion is still that we should wait until the issue is settled and then celebrate.

And as far as Jenell Larson's "bladder" remark is concerned, remind me not to attend any festival she plans, since she must think it is good planning to bring a large group of people (mostly children) together for a celebration with food and drink and provide no washrooms for their comfort and convenience. If we are going to have a festival of any kind in Monroe, I believe it should be done correctly or not at all.