Lakewood Residents Demand Transparency from City Council Over Migrant Housing Concerns
An emergency community meeting in Lakewood on Tuesday night brought hundreds of concerned citizens together to address the potential for the city to become a sanctuary for migrants.
The meeting, organized by the group Lakewood Concerned Citizens, saw an overwhelming turnout, with attendees filling the meeting room and spilling into the parking lot. However, the meeting was not without controversy, as a last-minute location change raised questions about transparency.
Initially, the meeting was scheduled to take place at a Lakewood school, but the permit was changed under the group Lakewood Concerned Citizens. This sudden alteration raised eyebrows among residents who were seeking clarification on the city council's stance on housing migrants.
Concern over Lakewood becoming a sanctuary city for migrants sparked an emergency community meeting Tuesday night amid what the city is calling incorrect information about a response to the crisis. (KDVR/FOX31)
Lakewood Mayor Wendi Strom sought to alleviate concerns by stating that the city council has never discussed becoming a sanctuary city. She emphasized that the council uses terms like "good neighbor," "welcoming," "inclusive," and "supporting" instead. However, some attendees, like Karen Morgan, pointed out that these terms align with the concept of a sanctuary, which refers to a condition of being protected or comforted.
The meeting was called in response to discussions between Lakewood city council members and Denver government officials regarding the migrant crisis. Community members expressed their desire for transparency and a clear understanding of the city council's intentions.
In response to the concerns raised, the city of Lakewood released a statement clarifying their position. They stated that the city council's only action in January was to direct the city manager to meet with Denver's staff to understand the migrant crisis better and explore possible options for collaboration. The city emphasized that no request was made to house migrants in Lakewood and that the focus was on addressing the humanitarian crisis through supporting Denver's needs.
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Despite the city's statement, frustration and anger continue to simmer within the community. Mayor Strom reiterated that no sweeping changes were being made without public consultation. She assured residents that any significant developments would be brought to the public's attention.
Residents remain skeptical and plan to attend the next city council meeting to voice their concerns and gain more insight into the meeting with Denver officials. The demand for transparency is a crucial aspect of holding elected officials accountable and ensuring that the community's interests are properly represented.
Critics believe it is essential for the Lakewood city council to engage in open dialogue with its residents, providing clear and comprehensive information about their plans and intentions.
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