State board member draws challenger
GARDEN CITY, Kan. — A former mayor plans to take on the Kansas Board of Education member who opposes educating the children of undocumented immigrants and falsely accused him of being here illegally.
“I don’t think our voice is being heard very well on the state board,” said Cruz, a Democrat. “My intention is to get around to the schools in the district — especially in Garden City, in our own community — and be able to represent our community, southwest Kansas.”
Morris’ 2002 campaign platform included attacks on public education for the children of illegal immigrants. Garden City, like most of southwest Kansas’ larger towns, has seen its Hispanic population increase dramatically in recent years.
In 2003, Morris accused Cruz — who was born in Garden City to native-born citizens — of being an illegal immigrant himself. She later apologized.
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/12435609.htm