The Coastal Point encourages the exchange of ideas. Letters to the editor must be signed by the author with phone number included for purposes of verification. Please send your letters to P.O. Box 1324, Ocean View, DE 19970.

Darin J. McCann

It is against the law to be in this country illegally.

Wow, one neat little sentence made my whole argument for me this week. I guess I can go home now. You all have been great. Enjoy your Easter and don’t forget to tip your bartender.

Well, on second thought, I guess I could go a little deeper into this line of thought.

For the record, I don’t really have a problem with the members of the Hispanic community that are here illegally. I don’t think their strain on public services is as great as many of the doomsayers claim, and I really don’t feel like they’re stealing jobs or driving down wages to the extent some people apparently do right now, judging by what I read and hear. I don’t fear a cultural take-over of the American way of life, and I truly don’t believe in my heart of hearts that English will be replaced as the official language of the United States.

But they are here illegally.

A major part of me feels for the illegal immigrants. After all, this nation was basically created by the concept of an open-arms policy to those searching for a better standard of life. We billed ourselves as “The melting pot,” and proudly presented the Statue of Liberty to immigrants making their journey to the new world. We are a collection of outcasts, misfits and never-wanteds, and pulled together our resources to make this the greatest nation the world has ever seen. But, it would seem, we’ve put out the “No Trespassing” sign to our neighbors to the south.Therefore, in regards to obtaining citizenship and the accompanying rights that go along with it, their timing stinks — and it’s a shame.

And they’re here illegally.

That’s what it keeps coming back to in my opinion. Look, I lived in California for several years — a state with a high percentage of both legal and illegal immigrants. I never really had a problem with them, and I didn’t see any interference whatsoever in the goofy lifestyle that California represents. In fact, there was an enhanced quality of life in my opinion, as the exposure to the cultural traditions of the Hispanic immigrants was an eye-opening experience I really enjoyed.

But many of them are here illegally.

And that’s the stumbling block for me. Are we to reward illegal behavior by softening our immigration stances or just looking the other way? Right or wrong, moral or immoral, the law states that if people are in this country without the proper paperwork, they are here illegally.

The amnesty proposals? I’m sorry, but that doesn’t seem quite right to me, either. Again, it’s a reward for breaking the law. I have no problem with our nation’s lawmakers deciding to just open the borders and allow citizenship to whoever wants it from another country — as long as nothing in the individual’s past would suggest illegal activities. You know, the whole, “Give us your hungry, your tired ... etc.” spiel. But to just reward people who are currently breaking the law seems, well, wrong.

If drugs were made legal tomorrow, should we just open the prisons and free everyone who was convicted of selling drugs? If possessing or providing child pornography was all of a sudden deemed protected by an individual’s right to freedom of speech, should we release those short-eyed, sicko freaks out of the prisons they should be forced to dwell in until a vengeful God exacts his revenge? Of course, I also feel that pedophiles should be forced to get the nature of their crimes tattooed on their foreheads and be placed in cells with inmates who are parents to small children, with the precise intent that ...

But I digress.

Of course, I’m not placing an individual’s desire to enjoy the riches and freedoms of the United States with some other crimes, but the fact remains that the illegal immigrants are indeed breaking the law. Earlier this week it was widely reported that the feds were softening on their stance that being here illegally would be seen as a felony — an obvious reaction to the muscle-flexing done by a growing Hispanic voting population. And, to be honest with you, I don’t really have a problem with that.

However ...

If the gates to the American kingdom do open up, and the books of citizenship expand to allow in more Hispanic immigrants, I’d like to toss out a few random thoughts:

• Life is tough — wear a helmet. Fight through the injustices bound to come your way, and make life easier for future generations in your families.

• Learn the language. The Europeans had to, as did every other group that came here. It’s not about stifling a culture, it’s about basic communication. Want to get ahead? Start by learning the language.

• Respect the laws of the land. On second thought, it doesn’t matter. Apparently you get rewarded for breaking them.

Elections spring int the limelight

The changing of the seasons is full upon us, and with that change brings warmer weather, loads of pollen and a few intriguing local elections.

South Bethany Town Council Member Bob Cestone recently confirmed he will not be seeking re-election in the town’s May 27 election. Three seats are up for grabs on the council, and with Cestone’s announcement, at least some degree of change is certain to take place among the town’s leadership.

Also on the plate is the hotly-contested Indian River School District School Board election on May 9. Our community will see two elections, as challenger Wilbert Laird will attempt to take the seat of Randall Hughes in District 3, and Jackie Wilson will run for the District 4 seat held by longtime board member Charles Birely. That, of course, is the election that is generating quite a bit of conversation in the area recently.

Birely has served on the school board for nearly 30 years, while Wilson made her name locally as an educator and principal at Lord Baltimore Elementary School. Two big names in one small community battling for one seat is enough to stir up emotions at any time.

Unfortunately, much of the attention has instead focused on other allegations.

As we reported two weeks ago, in the March 31 edition of the Coastal Point, allegations were made that an employee of the school district was posting election signs supporting Birely while on the clock. Birely said he had no knowledge of those acts taking place, and, as we also reported, an official with the Sussex County Board of Elections said, even if the allegations are true, they would cause no legal ramifications. But the drum beats on concerning this issue.

Let’s stop it here.

The real issue here is that we have two candidates running for one seat — and they are each uniquely qualified. It is a good, and rare, position for a community to be in when both candidates bring something to the table. Keep this election clean, and discuss the issues. We all benefit by that.

Bank staff appreciative of police, others
Editor:

Our staff at the Ocean View branch of First Shore Federal would like to take this opportunity to send out heartfelt thanks to everyone who assisted in capturing the alleged suspects who robbed us on Tuesday. Special thanks to all the police officers from Ocean View, Bethany, South Bethany, the K-9 unit from Ocean City and State Police officers, detectives, victim’s specialist and crime lab officer, who not only showed professionalism, teamwork and expertise in a successful capture, but displayed concern and compassion for us as well.

A very special thanks to a local retired Baltimore County police officer who saw the suspects leave in their car and pursued them until state and local officers joined in the chase. This person was very instrumental in knowing the constant whereabouts of the suspects and advising the police. For these efforts, we are most grateful.

Also, thanks to our customers for their cooperation and understanding during that time. Above all, I thank God for His hand of protection on each one of us yesterday for without Him, the situation could have had a tragic ending.

Diane Koch
Ocean View

Reader: Phillips was there for community
Editor:

On behalf of the Ocean Farm Civic Association, I wish to express public appreciation to our councilman, Vance Phillips, for assistance to our community. Phillips responded to our request for help in addressing many years of damage construction traffic has done to the major road, Neptune Drive, in our subdivision. He took the time to visit Ocean Farm and see firsthand the damage.

The majority of this damage was caused by over 300 dump truck loads of fill brought in over the major subdivision road to raise the elevation of Section 3 to allow construction of houses. This damage was further compounded by use from logging out over 5 acres of wooded, reclassified wetlands to construct additional houses, a stormwater management pond, large concrete weir and outfall structure. Additionally, all the needed equipment for site preparation, road and house construction also used Neptune Drive.

Since the developer had complete control of the homeowners association and has never held a community meeting, the homeowners did not have a voice in what was done to the infrastructure of their community. Despite repeated pleas to the developer by the Transition Committee to have the roads repaired at his expense before relinquishing control of the Ocean Farm Homeowners Association, the developer has refused to do so, offering instead to repair the roads and bill the Homeowners Association.

Phillips understood that the costs of road damage would then be passed along to the homeowners and the financial burden this will have on all of us. Phillips arranged with the Department of Public Works to videotape the last section of Ocean Farm still under bond and use the tape for preview before bond funds are scheduled for release.

He agreed to recognize a member of the Civic Association when our community wanted to present a petition to Council requesting their support in attempting to have the developer correct damages caused by his approved construction and expansion of Ocean Farm. In addition, Phillips attended a meeting the developer had with the Transition Committee.

We are very appreciative of Phillips’ interest in our plight and willingness to help facilitate with the appropriate parties in attempting to help solve our problems. It is refreshing to know that a member of Sussex County Council is interested enough in citizen concerns to view first hand the consequences of decisions Council and Planning & Zoning make.

Voting “yes” to developers’ plans is relatively easy, seeing how these decisions impact directly on homeowners takes initiative, and helping to correct flaws in the process takes courage.

Nancy Jordan, President
Ocean Farm Civic Association

Local support a big help in fund-raising effort
Editor:

Dear friends and neighbors, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. The support you have shown me was much more than a few words could ever convey. The entire lower Sussex County went over and above my expectations.

On March 30, Chief McLaughlin, myself and husband, Dave Colella, delivered over $16,000 to the Special Olympic’s DE Torch Run officials in Dover. They were ecstatic. I believe they only received $1,000 the year before.

It was because of generous people, wonderful businesses, great neighbors and sweet, total strangers. I’d like to thank the press — especially the Wave and Coastal Point — for the free exposure and purchasing ads. Thank you, Beacon Baptist Church for supporting this noble cause and sharing your marquee with us; same with Gerald Hocker, who gave up three marquees, during the busiest time of the week.

You are all invited to join me for Easter breakfast on Easter Sunday, April 16, at 10 a.m. at the Beacon Baptist Church on Route 26, just across the road from Al Casapulla’s. If you need directions, call Pastor Dexter at (302) 539-1216.

It will be wonderful to see you all and thank you again, in person. Above all, it will be the most important day in Christianity, and who better to share with than all of you.

Nancy L. Colella
Ocean View

Community generosity overwhelming
Editor:

Southern Sussex Rotary and the Community Food Pantry would like to thank our friends, neighbors, and local businesses for their generosity and support of our 2006 2nd Annual April Fools Food Drive.

On April 1, we collected donations and conducted an extra-item campaign, at Hocker’s Super Center, where shoppers were asked to purchase an extra non-perishable item and donate it on their way out. Because of the community’s generosity, over 2,500 items were collected to help local needy families. This represents an increase of 700 items compared to last year.

The Food Drive was made possible by support from Hocker’s Super Center, Ocean View Consultants LLC, Bell Advertising and Master Buyer Service. Thank you to everyone for helping to make the food drive a success.

Nathan Sheldon, Food Drive
Committee Chairman
Southern Sussex Rotary

Jackie Wilson has shown she can do job
Editor:

Indian River School District Hall of Fame Member, Elementary Principal of the Year, Principal of a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence… Who am I talking about? Jackie Wilson, that’s who. Jackie Wilson knows education and knows the Indian River School District. She has taught or served as a building administrator while thousands of our districts children have gone through the school doors of the Indian River School District.

Dr. Wilson brings fresh ideas and a wealth of experience to the Indian River School Board. Her district experience, as well as her knowledge of state and local issues, makes her by far the most qualified candidate for the seat up for grabs in District No. 4.

It is not easy defeating a 30-year incumbent. However, as is Wilson’s style, she is willing to take on the challenge. When the two candidates are compared side by side, there clearly is no decision left to make. Wilson knows the issues facing school boards today; she knows the challenges facing employees and central office administrators. She understands the needs of our community. She has the requisite credentials to lead the Indian River School District back to prominence. She will certainly get my vote on May 9.

Debra Melson
Frankford

Representative happy with program’s direction
Editor:

Recently, I arranged a meeting for interested citizens regarding the Medicare prescription enrollment plan on March 31, at Indian River High School. Twenty-four citizens came to the presentation and received the information they needed to make a decision related to this important program.

This program was very successful and I appreciated greatly the effort and time invested in this program by the various agencies involved. I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank April Willey, the RSVP volunteer coordinator from the State Office of Volunteerism, and Maryann Hook, John Bryant, Susan Lingenfelder, Bonnie O’Day and Staci Marvel from the Department of Health and Social Services.

I am also very thankful that Ben Shamburger from the Social Security office in Dover participated in this program. Ben has been and continues to be a tremendous source of information and resource to our community. I would also be remiss if I did not thank Coleen Dolphin representing Social Security as well. A special thanks to Debbie Feierman and Robert Stead from the Center for Medicare Service for their advice and counsel.

The citizens of Delaware are very fortunate to have so many knowledgeable and involved individuals willing to help explain the difficult issues many of our citizens are facing today. I commend each of the individuals listed for their patience and willingness to go the extra distance to ensure every participant that attended this program had their questions and needs met in a professional and welcoming manner.

Additional programs are being held in other parts of Sussex County. I would urge every senior who still has questions about this issue to attend one of the events. The information you will receive will help you understand and to assist you in making an informed decision based on your needs.

State Rep. Gerald W. Hocker
38th District

Help is appreciated in planning event
Editor:

My name is Lidia Smith, a friend of Howard Melson and a parishioner at St. George’s United Methodist Church. Melson is relinquishing his duties as the coordinator for the Memorial Day Service celebration. I have been given the privilege to take over this duty.

This year, St. George’s United Methodist Church is celebrating a special Armed Forces and Police Memorial Day Service, which will be held on the 27th of May at 7 p.m. for those men and women who gave their lives defending this country and our way of life.

We would be honored if you and your family would accept this invitation and join us as we celebrate the brave men and women of this nation.

We would like to know ahead of time if there are other family members who have served in the Armed Forces that you would like to honor during the placement of the poppies on the memorial wreath. Rank, branch of service and name are required. These names will have to be called in no later than April 15, so we can get them published on our program. Or you can send them to 33787 Shawnee Drive, Dagsboro, DE 19939, or e-mail them to Ibetro@juno.com. Your response is greatly appreciated. You may reach me by phone at 541-9369.

May the love and peace of our almighty God bless you, your family and our service men and women. And may He continue to bless America.

Lidia M. Smith
Dagsboro

Many involved in success of event
Editor:

On Sunday evening, April 9, DiFebo’s restaurant was the scene of a benefit, “Cooks for a Cause.” The cause in this instance was Bethany Town Cats, the not-for-profit organization that spays/neuters feral cats in the Bethany resort area.

On behalf of the organization, I would like to express my gratitude to the members of the DiFebo and Osias families for their generosity in hosting this event. I salute the members of the DiFebo’s staff — especially Vera for their display of grace under pressure and their assistance in making the event so successful. Heartfelt thanks to Beth Kinnier and Sue P. for their tremendous behind-the-scenes efforts.

The organization owes a debt of gratitude to all the organizations that contributed goods and services for the silent auction and raffle. The list includes Beached Blondes Designs; Bear Trap Dunes; Bethany Beach Books; Bethany Blues; Bethany Cycle and Fitness; Big Fish Market; Blossoms; The Calico Tree; Concord Pet; Connor’s Package Store; Country Wicker; Creative Concepts; Dogfish Head Brewery; The Ellen Rice Gallery; Fat Tuna; Gallery One; Gary’s Bethany Beach Grill; Hair Daze; Hair Snippery; Irish Eyes Pub; Isabella’s; JC’s Photos; Kool Bean; Liquid Assets; Lord’s Landscaping; Of All Things; The Pampered Pat; Sea Crest; Sea Needles; Summer Place Resort; Tip Top Nails and Wash-n-Wag.

Lastly, on behalf of the organization, I would like to thank all the attendees of the event for their continuing support.

Jack Reamy
Bethany Town Cats