News

June 25, 2007

Rally might draw quite a gathering

Organizer of event supporting Hazleton law and mayor and immigration reform says busloads expected from Conn., N.J.

By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.com
Luzerne County Reporter   |   Jenn Learn-Andes on Facebook   |   @TLJenLearnAndes on Twitter

Hazleton City Mayor Lou Barletta said he’s hearing reports that thousands may show up for tomorrow’s rally to support him, the city’s Illegal Immigration Relief Act and national immigration reform.

Rally organizer Dan Smeriglio, founder of Voice of the People, said a press release distributed nationally has prompted inquiries from other states.

“The response has been phenomenal. I’m getting calls from Connecticut and New Jersey. There are busloads coming in. It’s looking to be pretty impressive,” Smeriglio said.

Security concerns have prompted organizers to keep the event at Hazleton City Hall, rather than attempting to march from there to Memorial Park, Barletta said.

“They decided to have it here because this is where the act passed,” Barletta said.

Hazleton Police plan to start blocking off a section of Church Street in front of city hall, starting around 1 p.m., Smeriglio said.

City police met with Voice of the People representatives, as they have with leaders of past immigration-related rallies, Barletta said.

State police have also been contacted, said Barletta. He did not want to go into specifics about security plans.

“We want to make sure they have the opportunity to rally in peace, just as others had the chance to protest in peace,” Barletta said.

Smeriglio, 24, of Hazleton, said his organization hopes there is no need for police intervention.

“We’re just hoping that those who come to counter-protest will show common professional courtesy,” he said.

Guest speakers will include Barletta, Joey Vento of Geno’s Steaks in Philadelphia and representatives from several national immigration reform organizations.

The band Poker Face will perform, and Paul Topete, the band’s lead singer, will also be a featured speaker.

If you go

For updates on the rally, go to www.voiceofthepeopleusa.com.

The rally will kick off at 2 p.m. Sunday at Hazleton City Hall, 40 N. Church St., Hazleton.

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