Several of The Bay Bet readers have expressed their concern – through our forums, in comments on articles, and in letters to the editor – about illegal immigration.

When one concerned reader in St. Mary’s County emailed the candidates for commissioner some questions relating to the issue of illegal immigration he got some surprising responses and a surprising lack of response. Among the most interesting points are Jarboe’s suggestion of a sentence in labor camps for illegals and their employers, and Joseph Bush’s attested unfamiliarity with the Lexington Park area.

“In Jarboe and Bush’s favor is that fact that they at least answered the questions. It’s really pathetic how you can’t get a lot of these politicians to go on record answering anything,” concluded the author of the questions.

The reader would like to share his questions and the couple of responses received here.

*The questions are not those of The Bay Net, but are published for the information of our readers. The focus or tone of the questions should not be presumed to reflect the sentiments or concerns of The Bay Net.

Question: What is your stance on the illegal immigration issue facing this country?

Jarboe: Illegal immigration is illegal. Every legitimate citizen suffers.

Bush: My feeling about the illegal immigration is that each and everyone who enters this country for the purpose of residence should do so through legal channels.

Question: How do you propose solving it?

Jarboe: The Federal Government should establish hard labor camps where the captured illegals have to work for no compensation. Hard work, no money, they will stay at home.

Bush: As an individual I propose to take similar actions as suggested by others, to require lawful means, to have immigrants become citizens. I don’t think this would necessary be an issue for the St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners, unless and until it was mandated by Federal Government.

Question: Do you believe St. Mary’s County has an illegal immigration problem?

Jarboe: Most Hispanic (I am not allowed to check green cards or have enforcement powers) labor in our County is arriving in vans from above the County Line. Spend some time in the Charlotte Hall 7-11 on a week day morning.

Bush: I don’t believe St. Mary’s County has an immigration problem, as such, although there might be persons living in the county.

Question: Have you observed the exploding Latino population in the Lexington Park area, and how would you account for it due to the extremely high cost of living in this county; when in contrast many of these workers are performing either landscape or construction jobs that typically do not earn high wages?

Jarboe: Lexington Park may house some illegal alien