Judge nixes Nin’s quest for conviction conversion
A Rice County judge was asked to overturn or convert a 2010 felony conviction so a man wouldn’t be deported to Cambodia. If Judge Neuville would’ve agreed to convert the conviction to a gross misdemeanor, 36 year old Ched Nin, of Faribault, would still be eligible for deportation but, as a felony, it’s automatic. Rice County Attorney John Fossum said, “Judge Neuville ruled on Thursday last week that we really can’t do that. We really can’t go back in time 6 years and undo the conviction just because people don’t like the consequences of the conviction, which is what
they were asking us to do”. Fossum added that, from their end, the question is, “if we agree to it for this person because he asked nicely, what do we do with everybody else that comes back and wants their convictions undone”. Do they treat noncitizens differently than citizens or noncitizens from various countries differently? Fossum says those issues need to be dealt with in Washington, DC not Rice County. Nin was ordered deported in 2012, “no action was taken in deportation until very recently so I guess the expectation was that he wouldn’t be deported because even though he was ordered deported he was still sitting there”. Nin has lived in Faribault since he was 6 years old, had a string of minor offenses and then 2 felonies in which he spent 2 years in prison for. He is among 7 other Cambodian refugees with criminal felony convictions who were rounded up by ICE for deportation. Nin’s wife says he didn’t have the money to become a US citizen. Deciphering the law on immigration and refugees is not a simple process. Naturalized citizen cost
Planning commission recommends Ordinance on Temporary Family Healthcare Dwellings
The Northfield Planning Commission held a public hearing on the draft ordinance of Temporary Family Healthcare dwellings. No one showed up, however, the commission moved on a recommendation on the draft ordinance. A key reason, said City Planner Scott Tempel, “to do so is allowing you to write your own ordinance and change them in the future, you can’t change the state law”. The draft pretty much mirrors the state ordinance but with a few tweaks. Tempel went on, “one of our key considerations decided that we would allow the temporary units to be in the driveway in the front of the home due to ease of access, utilities, also be able to deliver the units and get them in and out”. As temporary units, Tempel said the permit would be for 6 months with an option for 1 extension. Chair Richard Schulte had several concerns, “I’m looking to see if we get a positive experience in getting the temporary dwellings removed after 6 to 12 months of occupancy… I’m interested in knowing if there’s enough living space and facilities in 240 sq. ft. to make a comfortable home for 6 to 12 months. That’s really a confined volume”. Neighbor reaction is also a concern. The Planning Commission unanimously chose to recommend their proposed Temporary Family Health care Dwelling Ordinance with those key components to the Northfield City Council. From that point it would have to gain approval from 2 readings before becoming law. We’ll have more on this after the holidays.
NAUW Coat Drive expands drop-off sites
The Northfield Area United Way is collecting gently used coats and winter gear for people of all ages through January 11th. They’ve expanded the drop off sites, go to kymn.net to find a complete list.
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