KINGSTON – Voting mostly along party lines, the Ulster County Legislature rejected a policy “to maintain a safe, inclusive government and ensure the protection, order, conduct, safety, health and well-being of all persons.”
“We are targeting populations,” said Democrat Hector Rodriguez, acknowledging his Puerto Rican heritage.
“For me, it’s about common sense,” said Republican Craig Lopez. “If it’s federal law, then federal law supersedes local law. “
Noting his own heritage, Lopez said his course is clear. “As the only Mexican-American elected official in this caucus, and on behalf of all of my relatives that have legally immigrated in this country over generations, I’m going to be a wholehearted ‘no’ on this.”
The vote was 8 in favor and 14 against. Two Democrats joined the entire Republican majority in voting ‘no’.
