KISSIMMEE, Fla.: City Commission Considers Making English Official Language

[Harold F. Schiffman]

WFTV.com
City Commission Considers Making English Official Language

POSTED: 4:40 pm EDT April 3, 2006

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Many of the nearly 670 city employees in Kissimmee
speak more than one language.  But the city commission will soon consider
a proposal that makes English the city's official language.

"The policy would outline that during business functions, English is the
official language," said the city's public information officer, Carla
Banks. "And this follows what the state has already adopted with English
as the official language of Florida. The city is following that as well."
If the policy is adopted, these multilingual city workers will be required
to use English to communicate with city customers, co-workers, and
supervisors who speak only English.

The policy would not apply if the customer preferred a foreign language,
or if city workers are on lunch breaks or making personal phone calls.
Banks said having one language is especially important when it comes to
reporting and responding to emergencies. Channel Nine Eyewitness News was
told some city commission members had not yet read the draft copy of the
proposal. Banks said there was no firm timetable on a vote, but one could
be expected in the near future.


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