Herndon To Keep Day-Labor Center

Dozens of speakers addressed the council Monday and yesterday. Some residents -- many of them members of Help Save Herndon, a group against illegal immigration -- urged closing the center, which they said has reduced property values and attracted illegal immigrants.

At the very least, they said, Project Hope and Harmony and Reston Interfaith should be ousted. For the manager's job, town officials are considering a former teacher who has said he will check work authorization papers and try to serve a broader group of clients.

"Breaking the law in the name of charity is simply unacceptable," said Susan Powell, a resident.

Many speakers, including several affiliated with Reston Interfaith, called the center a resounding success that should continue as is. They had photos of empty parking lots where workers once collected and said the center taught subjects that helped workers assimilate.

Lisa Merkel, 34, of Herndon voiced discomfort about spending tax funds to give jobs to undocumented workers. But she said the center has served its purpose well.

"Some illegal immigrants are getting work," she said, "but the day-labor mess we had a few years ago is not a problem anymore."

Staff writers Martin Weil and Yolanda Woodlee contributed to this report.