I'll be the first to admit that I've had mixed feelings about the Tribuna newspaper for reasons that I won't get into at this point.

During the ICE ACCESS deabte, The Tribuna has taken a role in opposing the proposal and, along with the Comunidade News, held several meetings with business leaders, property owners, and the general public (note: both papers held separate meetings).

Recently, at the Danbury Businesses for a Better Community Coalition press conference, the Tribuna issued this press release regarding their withdrawal of support with Mayor Boguhton.

TRIBUNA WITHDRAWALS ITS SUPPORT FOR MAYOR BOUGHTON

Mayor's Proposed Partnership with ICE is hurtful to the community and the local immigrant population

Danbury, CT - Since its creation in 2000, TRIBUNA NEWSPAPER has expressed its support to Danbury's mayors. From Gene Eriquez to Mark Boughton, this multi-cultural publication has worked closely with local leaders covering stories and voicing concerns of the local immigrant community.

After announcing its plans to check the legal status of the city's immigrants in 2005, TRIBUNA had several conversations with Mayor Mark Boughton expressing its opposition to his plan. Eventually, the mayor set the issue aside. TRIBUNA continued with its support for Boughton on the last election, endorsing him as the candidate with the best overall plans for the city.

Recent e-mails to the press have claimed that TRIBUNA's previous support weakens its participation in the community coalition fighting against the proposal. These e-mails were sent by a former disgruntled employee of TRIBUNA, who was fired for unethical behavior shortly after TRIBUNA was launched. This incident was well documented. But most importantly, we would like to remind all that this is not a time for bickering amongst immigrants and attacks for personal gain.

TRIBUNA is a strong voice against Boughton's proposal since it knows that the recent mayor's plans of a partnership with ICE are a true harm to the community. It makes sense for authorities to expect that illegal immigrants who committed crimes to be deported. But TRIBUNA will no longer support a mayor who would pass a plan that would also deport immigrant workers, who came to this country legally and don't have a green card because they are waiting for the conclusion of their legalization process. A plan that could take children away from good parents, divide families and close businesses owned by honest people who have contributed greatly to this city. TRIBUNA once again invites Mayor Mark Boughton to reconsider his support for this measure and its impact in this city.

Now, as I stated, and is echoed by the Tribuna, now is not the time for criticism. Though I STRONGLY believe that those at the paper that wants to build bridges will need to be held accountable for what many consider questionable lapses in journalistic ethics and far-slanted articles, this statement and their contribution towards the opposition in the ICE ACCESS proposal is a step in the right direction.

Hopefully, this paper and others in the area can look past their differences and work for the common good of their community which needs them at this critical point in Danbury's history.