L. Brooks Patterson
The national debate over whether to embrace or reject Syrian war refugees has come to Pontiac.
Oakland County Executive L. Brook Patterson urges Pontiac Mayor Deirdre Waterman to stop supporting a project to house Syrians in a development that would include a community center, Taryn Asher of Fox 2 reports.
"I think it's very dangerous, imminent danger if they go ahead," Patterson says in a Wednesday letter. "We have proof now of what can happen. Look at Paris, France."
Waterman says that she too has concerns and will hold a public hearing to get community input, Fox 2 reports.
It's unclear what can be done to block the project, beyond delaying it.
Patterson writes:
“I am dismayed by Pontiac’s agreement to develop a ‘Syrian Refugee Village’ within its borders. Pontiac is the county seat for Oakland County and thus a focal point. Any program such as the acceptance of refugees from Syria under current conditions constitutes an immediate threat of imminent danger.”
The Detroit News says Oakland Treasurer Andy Meisner on Wednesday issued a statement saying he sees the need to review current policy for vetting refugees, but he criticizes Patterson's letter.
“Mr. Patterson’s comments politicize a project that will bring much-needed economic development to Pontiac and provide housing for people desperately in need who have undergone exhaustive background checks,” Meisner wrote. “Please remember that Oakland County is made up of many thousands of Americans born in other countries, including many where terrible things happened, and that they are contributing greatly to Oakland County’s prosperity and security every day.”
