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Creating opportunity

Councilmember Tom Perez encourages Ehrlich to turn his misstep into a leap forward

In response to Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich's embarrassingly public remarks that multiculturalism is "crap" and "bunk," County Councilmember Tom Perez issued a request to Ehrlich to join him in creating opportunity for Montgomery County's hardworking and growing immigrant population.

In early May, Ehrlich spoke on WBAL-AM 1090 radio after Maryland Comptroller William Donald Schaefer publicly complained about service received by a Spanish-speaking fast-food worker. Ehrlich said he has a "very similar" view to Schaefer, who said he believes that immigrants "ought to adjust to us" and learn English.

"I reject the idea of multiculturalism," Ehrlich said. "Once you get into this multicultural crap, this bunk, you run into a problem. With respect to this culture, English is the language."

The backlash was strong and immediate, prompting damage control from the Ehrlich administration.

"The governor believes that other ethnic groups are essential to the fabric of life in Maryland," said Shareese DeLeaver, Ehrlich's press secretary. "However, he believes that ethnic groups need to develop a singular culture as Americans and speak English."

At a May 11 press conference attended by Councilmember George Leventhal, Maryland Senator Ida Ruben, Maryland Delegate Ana Sol Gutierrez, and other local elected officials and activists, Perez addressed his comments to Ehrlich on behalf of the diverse communities across the county.

"As the new face of Montgomery County and the state of Maryland, we invite you to take a closer look at who we are and what we need," Perez said.

The press conference was held at the Long Branch Community Center in east Silver Spring, where neighborhoods reflect the statistics quoted by Perez.  He stated that Montgomery County's population of 900,000 residents is 15 percent African American, 12 percent Latino, and 11 percent Asian and Pacific Islander, representing 164 nations—and 122 languages.

The influence of such diversity, Perez said, goes beyond cultural richness. Multiculturalism is a growing factor in the economic sector—which, Perez pointed out, is of central concern to Ehrlich.

"In the corporate world, multiculturalism is about competing in the global economy. Businesses that do not pay close attention to our changing demographics and diversify their workforce will undoubtedly be left behind," Perez said. "Ehrlich claims to be a friend of business. I'm surprised he does not understand the case for multiculturalism."

To those who argue that native speakers of other languages lag behind, Perez indicated that immigrants are learning English more quickly than ever, thanks to the assistance available in areas such as Montgomery County. But he emphasized that more resources are needed in order to ensure continued progress. The waiting list for county English classes, for example, is a growing list of over 2000—made up of immigrants who "work two and three jobs and still find time to take English courses on the weekend, in order to acquire better-paying jobs," Perez said.

"Demand clearly exceeds supply," he added. "We need additional resources to address these challenges."

Perez called directly upon the governor to shift from divisiveness into a uniting force for Maryland.

"Governor Ehrlich, immigrants want what all Americans seek: good jobs, a quality education, good health, and a decent place to live. Multicultural communities simply need the tools and resources to get there," Perez said. "I invite you to join me and other local leaders in coming together to address the critical issues facing multicultural communities in our state."