Workers force racist official to apologize

Over 300 people rallied March 5 at the town hall in Freehold, N.J. Protesting the latest racist attacks on the Latin@ community, protesters demanded the resignation of Borough Councilman Marc LeVine.

Councilman LeVine founded the racist Web site PEOPLE, “Pressing Elected Officials to Preserve our Living Environment,” in 2003, targeting Freehold’s Latin@ immigrant population. LeVine posted comments in November alleging that Latina women are “promiscuous” after a lawsuit granted rights to day laborers to seek work in Freehold.

Supporters for the Latin@ residents came from as far as Long Island, N.Y., and various parts of New Jersey. “We have come to Freehold five times to protest the outrageous treatment of your Latin@ residents,” said Teresa Gutierrez of New York’s May 1 Coalition. “Your racist policies make your town a disgrace.”

The rally called for LeVine’s resignation and also that of Mayor Wilson, who supports a proposal to restrict housing to documented residents only. One resident noted that Mayor Wilson’s racist leadership set the tone for the polarization of the town.

“You say we don’t pay taxes, but we do, but don’t get them back! We pay Social Security as well, but someone else will get the pension!” said Rosa, a woman who says she is working at jobs other people won’t do.

Some of the white residents complained that Freehold schools have 35 students per kindergarten classroom, and blamed the Latin@ residents.

“All the schools of this town, of this country, could be funded if there weren’t billions of dollars going to an illegal war!” said Gutierrez.

LeVine, visibly shaken by the passion and size of the crowd, apologized for his remarks. The people didn’t believe him, but chanted, “¡Sí, se pudo!” (Yes, we could do it!) in victory.

The May 1 Coalition sent a significant delegation, including Walter Sinche and Brian Barraza, who helped lead chants and also spoke.

—Report & photo by Heather Cottin