I took an active part in the democratic legislative process

I did something Monday night I have never done before. I took an active part in the democratic, legislative process. Oh, I've voted before, I've written letters, sent e-mails and faxes, protested and picketed. I've run the tech and support ends of things for causes and issues I supported and believed in. But, until yesternight, I had never sat before a legislative body and spoken to them, urging them to one action and from another. Maggie Kuhn said, “... speak you mind, even if your voice shakes.” I spoke my mind and, yes, my voice shook. (My voice shook, my hands shook, I shook. But I spoke my mind). I spoke my mind to the City Council of Woodland, Washington.

As I took my seat in front of the microphone, I flashed on the events of the previous week, jumbled now and almost without context...

Being asked to drive to Woodland. Being asked if I could speak in Woodland. “Oh, you'll be speaking to the City Council.” Three minutes. How do I cover all this in three minutes? What do I cover?

I took a deep breath, “Members of the Council and Fellow Citizens, my name is Jason Covington and I am from Vancouver. I am here tonight not only as a representative of One America but also as a concerned citizen. The City Council of Woodland will vote shortly on Proposition 588, which, according to tonight's agenda is a statement of the city's “support of the enactment of the Arizona Immigration Law, and further, to encourage the Washington State Legislature to enact similar legislation.” Time ceased to exist as I half-read, half-recited my prepared statement, focusing on each of the Councilmembers in turn. Seconds stretched into infinity. Eons and millennia passed in a second. My voice rose, became passionate; words pronounced themselves, taking on inflection and emphasis. A Councilman raised his eyebrow, a Councilwoman cocked her head in interest. Then, all too suddenly and after far too long, a timer chirped and the Woodland Mayor said, “Thank you, Mister Covington. Your time is up.”

I thanked the Mayor and council then rose, shakily. The room behind me erupted in applause as I made my way back to my seat. As the next person spoke their piece, I came back to myself. Enthusiastic applause marked the end of their time and, as they retreated from the microphone, I looked around the room...

The Woodland City Council chambers were packed. It was literally standing room only. The double doors to the room were open and filled with people. The foyer beyond the door was likewise packed. (I learned later people had lined the stairs, filled the first floor hallway and even spilled out the front door.) Latinos easily made up two-thirds, if not more, of the crowd. All ages, both sexes, as many shades of Brown as there were people. I realised then and there even though I had been at the microphone by myself, I was not alone. These were the people who applauded me, who appreciated my efforts. A woman who could have my tía smiled at me and mouthed “Gracias.” I did the same, though I blushed.

Person after person took their seat at the microphone and had their say. The Chicano abogado, the former Chief of Police, a “workin' man” from the area, schoolteachers, apartment managers, local civic leaders, a down-on-her-luck mother. Not all of them spoke against the resolution. Not all of them were well-spoken. Some were better informed than others. They were all passionate, they all cared about what has been happening, what will happen.

In the end, one person spoke for the resolution for every two who spoke against it. When public input on the issue was closed, the Council began their discussion. I was very surprised when one of the Councilmembers said, “Mr. Covington made a very good point that...” The debate continued for a few more minutes, each Councilmember quickly making their points. Finally, the Mayor declared the discussion closed and asked the County Clerk to call the roll. This was it, the vote, the moment we had all come for, worked for. It was quiet, almost deathly so as the Clerk called each Councilor's name. Yes. No. No. Yes. Yes. No. A tie. I was amazed to find my heart still beating as the Mayor asked the Parliamentarian if he had a vote in this instance. I didn't know what I wanted the answer to be as the Parliamentarian answered yes. Then, as I held my breath, the Mayor said, “It seems as though I have the deciding vote. And I vote... No.”

Nothing, save the birth of my children, can compare to that moment. The wave of relief and happiness which washed over me had no equal. I, every Latino there and far more of the Anglos than I had expected were exultant. A tumult of cheers, shouts and applause filled the room. For me, though, it was all summed up by what I saw at the far edge of the room; a Mexicana hugged her hijito to her chest and kissed him on his head, a smile on her face and a tear in her eye.

-jason d. covington
One America Vancouver, Washington
8th June 2010