Facing four lawsuits and mounting legal costs, the city of Farmers Branch is fretting over finances. David Koch, a resident who's running for city council, sent out a press release today announcing the launch of "a grassroots effort to raise money for their city after the city council unanimously approved tough anti-illegal immigration measures and was subsequently sued." The city has already spent more than $50,000 in legal fees so far, he notes, and that's only the beginning.
A Web site was set up in December, and according to the press release, the fund received $10,000 in the first day thanks to fundraising efforts by syndicated radio talk show host Mike Gallagher. So, could this outpouring of support become the next tsunami relief effort?
Tim Scott, another resident running for city council in May, is quoted as saying, "A majority of Americans are in favor of strong illegal immigration laws -- I hope their passion for this issue and their contempt for frivolous lawsuits will compel them to give."
Of course, it wouldn't be complete without a plea from the man behind the ordinances, council member Tim O'Hare. "The money that has been raised in the past couple of weeks is amazing," he says in the release. "Despite the threat of lawsuits, we passed these ordinances, knowing that the majority of Americans are on our side, and that they will help in any way they can to fight this problem."
So, you ready to replace your annual Amnesty International donation with a check to Farmers Branch? --Megan Feldman
