VENTURA : Council Will Debate Prop. 187 Measure

Less than a month before voters statewide cast their ballots on Proposition 187, the Ventura City Council will debate the measure aimed at denying most government services to illegal immigrants.

At least one council member wants the city to stay out of the matter.

“It’s not an item that we should even be considering,” Councilman Jim Monahan said Friday. He said he plans to make a motion to that effect at Monday night’s council meeting.

He said the federal government, not the city of Ventura, should take responsibility for controlling the borders.

City Manager Richard D. Thomas said it was rare for the city to take a position on a ballot initiative, but he said passage of the initiative may affect the local government.

Supporters believe the measure would save millions spent on health care and education for illegal immigrants. But opponents argue it will end up costing schools, which would have to check the immigration status of their students.

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, the county Board of Education and the Oxnard City Council have voted to register their opposition to the measure. The Ventura city staff has not recommended a position on the measure. But at Monday night’s meeting, Councilman Gary Tuttle is expected to make a recommendation. Tuttle, who was away this week, put the matter on the council’s agenda.