Council Considers Bilingual Pay For City Employees
Last updated Friday, January 19, 2007 7:30 PM CST in News
By Steve Caraway
The Morning News
SPRINGDALE -- The third time could be the charm on bilingual pay for city employees.
The City Council plans to examine a resolution establishing bilingual pay for eligible employees of the city. The employee, if working in a job were bilingual skills are necessary, would receive an additional $100 per month.
Department heads would be responsible for deciding if bilingual skills are needed for the job and if the person in the job has the necessary language skills.
The personnel committee, meeting Wednesday night, forwarded the resolution to the council. Judge Stanley Ludwig sparked the resolution by asking for bilingual pay for three of his employees, without passing a test.
The council nixed a proposition for bilingual pay for all departments last year, then approved the pay for the Police Department only. To earn bilingual pay, Police Department employees had to pass a proficiency test. The new resolution would not require a test.
Alderwoman Kathy Jaycox repeated Friday she would prefer a testing requirement for the pay.
"I don't know of any other special pay given without a specific criteria, in any city," Jaycox said. "We have great department heads and I trust them, but I would have liked to see a test."
Alderman Bobby Stout seconded the motion to send the resolution to the full council, but with reservations, he said. Two motions failed in the meeting for lack of a second before Stout broke the deadlock with his action.
"We had to move forward," Stout said. "I would like to see the department heads write in the job descriptions where the positions needed to be bilingual."
Stout agreed the courts need translators, partially due to legal requirements. The court has to provide translators for those who do not understand English, Ludwig said.
The court pays for an interpreter on Fridays, when cases come to trial. During the week, Ludwig's three Spanish speakers handle translation.
"I've seen them in action, I know what they can do," Ludwig said. "Everyone in the building has used them to translate."
When a translator is needed in the mayor's office or the city clerk's office, the court's translators receive a call, said Wyman Morgan, city director of administration and finance.
"A lot of times, we put them on speaker phone," Morgan said. "That has worked very well."
Morgan mentioned police, courts and the building inspection office as departments that need often translators. The need for translation in the courts reaches farther than Spanish, Ludwig said.
"We've had people from France, Germany, Croatia, even Belarus," Ludwig said. "The biggest need is Marshallese. We have Marshallese every week."
The resolution would cover a Marshallese translator, but Ludwig has not been able to find a clerk who spoke the language. Springdale has the largest concentration of Marshallese in the world outside of the Marshall Islands.
Razorback Central
Reader Comments (50 comment(s))
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Yeah wrote on Jan 19, 2007 8:58 PM:
" If they can't speak english, then they dont need to be heard anyways. "
To Razorback and Yeah!!! wrote on Jan 19, 2007 10:15 PM:
" As you can see ignorance does not pay off, so, no matter what you and anybody else say the reality is, it pays to know more than one language, y eso tenlo por seguro Gracias...;-), if you are smart you should encourage your children to do so. Mean while ill keep enjoying the extra money. "
disappointed wrote on Jan 20, 2007 12:33 AM:
" here we go again, legal tax paying citizens having to pay extra so those who probably shouldnt be here can be heard. only in this country... "
Direction wrote on Jan 20, 2007 2:45 AM:
" This is another example of saying it`s ok we`ll pay your way, we`ll accomodate Illegals to come here. As long as Americans are willing to bend the rules Illegals will abuse the system. If they want to be here then learn English.
Lessons we should remember: Quote :
In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."
Theodore Roosevelt 1907 "
Observer wrote on Jan 20, 2007 3:36 AM:
" Don't you think that maybe someone who speaks two languages might have been hired over someone qualified who didn't? And now you want to give them another $100 even after they got preferential hiring treatment? Don't waste my tax money like this. If you can't speak the language, bring an interepreter. The expense should be on the ones who can't speak English, not on us taxpayers. Obviously we have some brain surgeons masquerading as City Council members. "
City Resident wrote on Jan 20, 2007 6:39 AM:
" I don't want my tax money going to city employees to speak another language. Period! The spanish speaking citizens and illegals can bring someone who speaks English. "
Bilingual or Spanish Speaker? wrote on Jan 20, 2007 8:41 AM:
" It seems like this is incorrectly labeled as bilingual while they really mean English and Spanish. Will this include English and German, English and French, etc. or while natives from Germany, France, etc. need to learn a third language to benefit? Springdale must provide equal access for all, so either require all consumers to speak English or provide an interpreter for every person who does not. "
u.s.a wrote on Jan 20, 2007 9:18 AM:
" well another example on how the u.s.a is out of our hands .number 1 place not to live arkansas "
Moving out of City!! wrote on Jan 20, 2007 9:25 AM:
" I need to move out because of the tax increases to pay for what the CIty Council deems necessary. I guess that City can start paying for my attorney when I get a ticket for parking my 2.2 vehicles at my house, or if my garbage cans aren't picked up within 30 seconds of the trash man picking it up, or if my house isnt painted a color deemed acceptable by the council. A fair representation in court is a attorney, isn't it, "
disappointed wrote on Jan 20, 2007 12:15 PM:
" i work for the government. it is amazing how many people we/i deal with who act like we/i owe them a way to coommunicate. i feel for them but it is their problem, not mine/ours. look at what little we do for those legal citizens who cannot read nor write, and there are more of them than we like to think there are, yet for the illegals we bend over backwards and spend our monies to aid them. "
HAPPY!!! wrote on Jan 20, 2007 12:50 PM:
" Instead of crying start lerning, i love you "Tax Payers" pay for my extra money, hahaha, i love it. "
Let's Take Action wrote on Jan 20, 2007 1:15 PM:
" If you can't speak the language, bring somebody with you to interprete. Why should my tax dollars pay for somebody's ultimate arrogance in coming over to this country without speaking the language? I thought I was pretty fluent in English, but I can't seem to find the words to describe how incensed I am that non-English speakers expect our government to cater to them. And I am even more disgusted that we sit around and let it happen. We all should be ashamed of ourselves. Let's call our city council and complain. We need to take back Springdale. "
Dean Bitner , President Springdale Fire Fighters Association. wrote on Jan 20, 2007 4:20 PM:
" Before we condemn any council members, please allow me to make a couple of observations. In my line of work at the FD and my police brothers and sisters at the PD, inability to communicate can mean the difference between life and death. On a number of occasions we have come in contact with patients who cannot communicate vital medical information needed to properly care for the injured or ill. Imagine trying to treat someone who can't tell you where it hurts, or they have tuberculosis , or HIV , or hepatitis. On the other hand our tactics for entry into a working structure fire are greatly influenced by witness or bystanders ability to tell us whether or not anyone is in the building, and where. If the PD is looking for a suspected bad guy, a clothing and physical description could prove invaluable. The bottom line is that we need to be able to communicate. NOW , with that said.......... I agree that English should be THE language spoken by everyone. Unfortunately our borders are wide open and not one soul seems to be able to stop this flood. That makes me furious . I also agree that we should not spend tax dollars to accomodate illegal aliens, but we've found ourselves in quite a pickle. What should we do ? I don't speak spanish and I will not be learning anytime soon. BUT, I can guarantee you that it is helpful in our business. "
dumb wrote on Jan 20, 2007 4:49 PM:
" HAPPY!!! wrote on January 20, 2007 12:50 PM:
"Instead of crying start lerning, i love you "Tax Payers" pay for my extra money, hahaha, i love it."
what is he trying to say "
Acceptance wrote on Jan 20, 2007 5:11 PM:
" Using any excuse for why we should have to accomodate any Illegal is not an acceptable solution. The more they see as an accomodation the more they will abuse the system. The only solution is a guest worker program for English speaking workers with no Amnesty. If they want to live here for a while to help support their families in Mexico fine but gaining status as a Citzen is more than just working here. We have already seen how they abuse the system and your Social Security number is at risk more and more each day as they move up to positions that allows them access to critical information on Americans. We need to use some common sense, if not we`ll be a third world country. "
disappointed wrote on Jan 20, 2007 6:54 PM:
" to Mr Bitner, first let me say thank you for your service to the community. as a retired cop believe me when i say firefighters have always been my heroes. but, let me ask you to think about this. our political leaders want to get out of doing anything ref illegal aliens by saying it is a federal issue, such was seen this past week by those in little rock who would not pass a law to keep those who hire illegals from bidding on state funded projects. if that be the case, it is a federal problem and we locals should stay out of it then i say this problem of not being able to communicate is a federal problem. "
Dean Bitner , President Springdale Fire Fighters Association. wrote on Jan 20, 2007 11:02 PM:
" Dear disappointed , With regard to our service to the community... the pleasure is all ours. Public servants sign on for whatever comes their way. Sometimes an easy day, and sometimes the worst ever. It's all part of the job and we deal with it as best we can. As a retired cop, you know the drill. About the ILLEGAL immigration issue... it makes me ill. As a child , I remember visiting my relatives who owned a lot facing the Rio Grande near Mission Texas. At sundown each day, the Mexico side would come alive with ILLEGAL ALIENS waiting to cross the river. I remember thinking how wrong it was and this was 35 years ago ! We have a terrible problem on our hands and I don't think there is a blanket answer. For decades we have allowed business owners to profit from cheap labor and in many cases the consumer has also profited indirectly. I would wager that at least 90% of the homes built in NWA in the last 15 years used at least SOME ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT labor. I don't agree that this is just a federal government problem. IT IS OUR PROBLEM. As my grandmother says, if you want the ants out of the kitchen... put the food away. Until we can remedy the immigration problem, language will continue to be a barrier to those of us in public service. About Mr. Bitner, please call me Dean. "
To dumb wrote on Jan 21, 2007 1:21 AM:
" I am sure you do love exploiting tax payers, not just for extra money, but for everything. Just like our neighboring country has always exploited this country for the dollar whining that they are poor and therefor it was America's responsibility to fix their economy. American wages have gone done 44% due to immigration and will continue to go down until we either stop them or are also a third world country, then Hahaha will be back to where she started. They ruined their own economy and now ours is on the line. By the way, if we need to pay more for someone to speak spanish, shouldn't there be a surcharge to spanish spealing callers to compensate for the increase in cost? "
I like this! wrote on Jan 21, 2007 1:57 AM:
" I really like to read all this, because it's make me proud of where I came from and where I'm going, Why is that? Because you think the illegals make less money that the U.S. Citizens... Great keep that idea while I'm making more money that you!!! And just because you dont want to learn spanish! More money on my pockets and with my family in Mexico. this is a great country and we can make a lot of money without paying taxes(White people idea) and for all the people who think we are ruined the U.S. economy, please go and get a book of economy and you will learn something about it, and if you do it, Thanks! because now you going to start loving all the illegal inmigrants, you'll see if you read if you not you are going be the same redneck!!! Sorry but is true! "
to I like it wrote on Jan 21, 2007 2:28 AM:
" I am sure you like it. Sending money earned in this country out of this country rather reinvested in the economy also hurts the economy. If you read and are an expert on economy, why not fix the economy in Mexico which you are so proud of. You may make more money than some Americans and instead of being grateful, you're obnoxious. "
reason wrote on Jan 21, 2007 7:25 AM:
" I think there is software that when spoken into interprets different languages, and that other cities use this approach. On the other hand if they are going to have a bilingual pay, a proficincy test should be manditory and of course legal residency. They should consider that additional pay for bilingual is likely to cause animousity in a work group. "
reason wrote on Jan 21, 2007 7:57 AM:
" PS I forgot to mention that a strict proficiency test should be required because places have been sued even though they provided interpreters because they claimed the interpreter made an error so they still did not understand. Therefor there should be strict standards and certification to interpret in legal and city matters. "
all you stupids wrote on Jan 21, 2007 11:55 AM:
" A proficiency test proves nothing. If all that was spoken was proper Spanish, the test would work. However, this is not the case. In fact, I would bet no person posting on this board could pass a poficiency test in English. "
Barb V. wrote on Jan 21, 2007 5:21 PM:
" The transition from public-sector jobs asking for and then requiring bilingual skills, is to the private-sector jobs. Store clerks, teacher's aides, automotive service-writers, utility companyies, blue-collar foremen. This list goes on. You may be interested to know that in Los Angeles county Asian immigrants have found that Spanish is the survival language to gain employment, and deal with officials, not English. "
Danny wrote on Jan 22, 2007 11:41 AM:
" Once again here we go with the racism that we have out there. This is a joke we are here to stay, we are not going anywhere, Let me start by introducing my self I was borned and raised in Mexico, when I was 16 years old I moved to the US, I'm now 25 adn a legally US Citizen and proudly a Mexican Citizen and I thank this country and mine to have helped me succeed in life and in my professional career. How many of you out there keep arguing that we are here to receive public benefits or perhaps to cheat the system? Yes there is that kind of people but not all of us, you all should be ashamed and stop sterotyping as much as you do. To those out there saying that they are Americans!!! What are they talking about? I'm from Mexico which is America, I could be from Canada which is America. To those that argue about hispanic and dislike us and make you all ill: Next time you go out to eat to your favorite MEXICAN restauran, keep in mind that maybe and illegal person cooked your delicious burrito. I would also like to talk about soldiers in the US. I served in the Military for 4 years, I didn't get to go to Iraq but happily I would've liked to. Tonight when you all go to sleep think about how peaceful you are at home and how peaceful you go toslleep "
Danny wrote on Jan 22, 2007 11:51 AM:
" Continue.....
When you go to sleep don't forget that two of my friends MEXICANS are in Iraq fighting for your freedom and your security, my brother in law also MEXICAN has served in the military for 10 yrs and has served two terms in Iraq, please do not stereotype, this are Latinos proudly serving our country. A quick overview, we give up our family, our traditions our lifes to come to the US and try to have a better life and future for our families, tell me one thing who is more AMERICAN?. My opinion is that while I'm in the military serving you ( my country) I expect my family spanish speaking to be able to call 911 and be able to communicate in spanish. Diversity is good, don't forget what the US is made up of!!! US is made up of immigrants wheater you like it or not. And if you forget everything I just said at least remember this last line that I'm about to say: "Don't forget that I served this country and I'm Mexican. Latinos, blacks, whites, asians, Europeans and everybody else in the military is fighting so that you can freely post your comments, and if you are going to comment at least have some respect for your own" "
Americans wrote on Jan 22, 2007 12:36 PM:
" Danny, I know that you're trying to make an argument, but let's be reasonable. The generally accepted use of the term "American" refers to a citizen of the United States of America. Otherwise, every person in North and South America would refer to themselves in this manner, and we all know that this simply isn't the case. Let me add that we Americans appreciate the military service of you and others like you. We accept all of those with legal resident status. However, statements like the ones made by "I Like This" about not paying taxes, etc., will cause a backlash bigger than you realize. US taxpayers are bearing a huge burden by providing free medical care, education, fire and police protection, etc., so that illegal immigrants can drive Escalades and send money to Mexico. All the while, they're telling us how stupid we are. If you move to the US because it's a better life, conform to our laws and customs. There is a reason that life here is superior to life in Mexico and, at the rate we're going, this country is going to be another Mexico in a few short years. You would be wise to fight to preserve the American way of life that you sought when you came here (and the legal system that frames it) and not be educating us on the legal status of the person making burritos at the nearby restaurant. "
a PROUD mexican! wrote on Jan 22, 2007 5:15 PM:
" i dont know what's the deal with all of the americans! if you dont want us to get the bilingual pay then you should learn a second languange and let me remind you that a second lanugage its not only Spanish, so stop hating!! if you "white people" dont like us then why do you go to our MEXICAN restaurants! and if you didnt know most of the people who work on construction are hispanics, so WE are helpin the "USA" by building the houses, apartments, etc. So i dont see why it bothers you that we get bilingual pay because at least the ones that are getting that pay have given time to learn english or what ever other language they speak. What would you do if you went to Mexico or another place where u didnt speak their language, wouldn't you like someone to be able to help you in the business that you go into. JUST STOP HATING! we might be different color but we are all the same. "
a PROUD mexican! wrote on Jan 22, 2007 8:42 PM:
" you americans just make me laugh! you wouldnt be anything without us. I bet that if for at least 1 day all the mexicans dont show up to work i bet that USA will loose a lot of money. If your saying that we should learn english than why dont you learn spanish! a lot of americans go to Mexico for their vacations, why dont they learn Spanish before they go so people in Mexico wouldn't have to have bilingual people for the "white people", its the same thing! so like i said STOP HATING, you are just jeolous because WE the bilingual will get paid for knowing 2 languages. and if supposibly the USA is all about freedom than we can fly the Mexican flag whenever we want. "
to proud mexican wrote on Jan 23, 2007 9:28 AM:
" We were something a lot better than you before you and your kind swam the river. This country was fine before the mexican ivasion and it would adjust and carry on when the government wakes up and ships yall home. The cocky attitude of people like you is what has American citizens enraged. So let me ask you this - where would you be without us??? And no, we shouldn't have to learn Spanish to go on vacation. We are there on vacation. We're not there to live, work and use thier welfare services. And I don't understand why if you people want to be here so bad then why do you insult this country so much by flying your flag and turning our country into Mexico. If you like Mexico so much why did you come where you are not welcome. And you people wonder why Americans can't stand you. Duh!!! "
To Mexican wrote on Jan 23, 2007 5:44 PM:
" Well I guess you deserved the Title. This is whar makes the difference between us and you. Your attitude. It really is disgusting..
PERHAPS THIS WILL HELP ON SOME HISTORY..
Lessons we should remember: Quote :
In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."
Theodore Roosevelt 1907 "
cynthia wrote on Jan 24, 2007 12:30 PM:
" I feel that this country needs to get back to basics...By that I mean lets get our country back and stop all this illegal bull...If you want to live in the usa then speak english and come here legally.........I can't stand these people (illegals) that think they have all these rights...ILLEGAL IS JUST WAS IT IS ILLEGAL... and if you come here to live and have a child that child is born to illegals he or she should ALSO BE ILLEGAL Look up the word.........It's suppose to be the law what happened!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Very unhappy with this country or better yet the govt. that rules.... Let's worry about the important issues and lay off the small stuff "
A Proud and Patriotic AMERICAN citizen wrote on Jan 24, 2007 6:23 PM:
" If you come here seeking a better life for you and your families, go through the neccessary steps to establish citizenry, then you are as American as I am and I harbor no hate or prejudice against you. However, if you come here ILLEGALLY, seeking AMERICAN jobs without becoming a citizen, claiming AMERICAN benefits and then get paid for your skills to speak Spanish then yes, I do harbor resentment and bitterness for all the taxes I pay that are benefiting MEXICANS that cannot even bother to learn the language of this great country. I don't think any Illegal immigrants, whether they be Mexican, Canadian or Asian, should be allowed to stay here. Deport them back to where they come from!!! "
a PROUD mexican! wrote on Jan 25, 2007 10:03 AM:
" for your information im a resident here, i was born in california and i am LEGALLY here so dont be telling me that im here illegally because im not! if America really is the best, their people(all u haters) wouldn't be threating people differently because of our skin color, americans=racist! all that america is about is racism. havent u learned from god that we are ALL THE SAME. if you think about it, we are all illegals!! and like i said, bilingual people should get the bilingual pay because they took the time to learn a second language. you guys(americans) are just too lazy to learn something different that will help you. even though i WASNT born in mexico, im proud to say that mexican people are just here to have a better life and not to take over even if you think that. the good thing about mexico is that over there OUR people threat americans right not how americans threat us here. so if america really was a great country we would be living without racism but that's what america really is a country of racism. "
Former US Army In Marshall Islands wrote on Jan 29, 2007 10:24 AM:
" Regarding Marshallese, all should recognize that under the Compact of Free Association with the Govenment of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, citizens of the RMI can move to, establish residence in, and hold jobs / attend school / etc. in the US. The same holds true for the citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau.
US citizens hold the same rights and privileges - any US citizen can move to any of these countries and attend school, hold a job, or just retire, get a place to live, and enjoy tropical Pacific sunsets.
There is no requirement for their citizens to learn English prior to moving our country, and no requirement for citizens of our country to learn their language before moving.
Should they learn English if living here? Of course they should but it takes time. I am sure many of the children speak near-fluent English after a year or less; it is the parents and elders who may not be able to.
If a Marshallese grandfather or grandmother moves to US to live with his or her son or daughter, I don't think we should expect them to learn English.
"
Marshallese1 wrote on Jan 29, 2007 10:46 AM:
" Hello, there former US Army...thanks for your word. i am marshallese who agree with your comment. Are u in Springdale or around Northwest Arkansas? once again thanks and God Bless u! "
Former US Army In Marshall Islands wrote on Jan 29, 2007 11:33 AM:
" I lived on Majuro with family for 2 1/2 years, in mid to late 80's. I worked for Kwajalein Missile Range Commander but was assigned to (then) US Representative's Office, now US Embassy,
If you view the Forums on Marshallese site yokwe.net, I am "pettittm."
"
Letao wrote on Jan 29, 2007 12:30 PM:
" FYI: For those who do not know this. Fact: Micronesians are legal to live and work in this country.
Fact: Marshallese are VERY legal to live and work in the USA. I learned your langauage now why don't you learn mine. You destroyed my Island (Bikini) and brought me here. Stop Hating on my people because you are the ones who brought us to this country. "
Univ. of Iowa Student wrote on Jan 29, 2007 12:50 PM:
" Yokwe! in English(Greetings)
Well Said Former US Army In Marshall Islands. As I read through the forum, I've concluded that these people are showing and expressing their hatred. Those time are past, we are in a new era. This isn't an Arian Nation anymore...this is the land of opportunity. This land was created on a different color and race platform...this is why it is the leading country on mother Earth. I felt discrimnated against my nationality...Please...Understand that these people are coming here, because this is the land of opportunities...nothing will change this. Yes, I agree 100% that everyone coming here needs to learn English, because this is the Language we use is all over the world to communicate, it considers The International Language.
I did learn it, even I don't speak fluently, people understand the words coming out of my mouth.
Peace./ "
freedom wrote on Jan 29, 2007 1:44 PM:
" let not forget that this country truly belong to INDIANS (NATIVE AMERICAN)it not belong white or black, brown it belong to(RED-MEN) "
from springdale wrote on Jan 29, 2007 2:57 PM:
" I moved here 8 yrs ago to better my education and honestly i didn't want to move here, i love it back home but the longer i was here the more it felt like home. i haven't been back home since, i love it here, don't get me wrong i do miss the marshall islands but there are more opportunities for a better and successful future here in the states. I understand where you are coming from (taxpayers) because i pay taxes too. It really isn't necessary to be hateful and racist, that won't solve the issue with illegal immigrants. Yes its sad that there are people who are ungrateful but its not fair to the rest of us who are actually trying to input positively into our society. We should try to the best of our ability and learn how to speak english, but for the older marshallese, i would gladly translate for free. "
Univ.of Iowa wrote on Jan 30, 2007 9:23 AM:
" I Salute You: From Springdale...I would definitely need your translations. "
Not already registered?
Razorback wrote on Jan 19, 2007 8:51 PM: