By Nathan Carrick

Staff Writer

Calling the County Council "Tyrants and Cowards" one local activist spiced up his testimony before the County Council this week on legislation aimed at domestic workers.

Not to be outdone, at least one member of the council invited at least one citizen to "Yell at me!"

A broad spectrum of community members and activists testified in support of legislation that would require domestic workers to sign a contract with their employers, while a few viciously attacked it at a public hearing before the County Council Tuesday.

Speakers from CASA of Maryland, the Montgomery County Commission on Women, the Archdiocese of Washington, the Jewish Community Relations Council, the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, the Jews United for Peace and National Capital Area Union Retirees urged the Council to adopt the legislation.

Brad Botwin, director of the anti-illegal immigration group Help Save Maryland, and Matt Seubert, a HSM member, testified against it. Council members later said they were offended by Botwin and Seubert's testimony.

"What is most disturbing to me is the fact that your former compadres at the taxpayer-funded CASA of Maryland, the illegal aliens' non-profit of choice, can still pull the marionette strings to get bills like 2-08 considered," Botwin said, aiming his comment at Council member George Leventhal.

Leventhal is a co-sponsor of the bill, which was introduced by Council member Marc Elrich at the end of January. Leventhal formerly served on CASA's board.

"How can our citizens take this council seriously when elected officials state publicly that, 'All our constituents deserve basic protections, basic rights,' and include in that mix the CASA of Maryland pampered and coached illegal alien domestic workers," Botwin said.

Council member Roger Berliner fired back, saying, "I've only been on council for a year, but I've not been more offended by testimony than I was by yours tonight. The personal attacks on my colleagues were totally unwarranted. Now, I haven't decided my view on this legislation yet, but I will tell you that this is unacceptable."

Other members of the council agreed with Berliner, including Council member Nancy Floreen. "The approach you're taking here is neither useful nor productive. It's not welcome, it's not productive," she said.

"This bill is not aimed at immigrants," Elrich said. "It's directed at a work situation that can be harmful to any human being. It does not provide any special protection for any worker regardless of their status as an immigrant." He added, "Besides, you ought to be yelling at me. I asked the county attorney to draft this bill, George came on as a co-sponsor."

While other testimony was overwhelmingly positive in support of the legislation, only Botwin and Seubert spoke out against it. Seubert was visibly agitated when it was his chance to testify.

Council president Mike Knapp said, "Before you begin, please limit testimony to the bill, and not personal attacks on members of this council."

"Is this censorship?" Seubert said.

"No, this is testimony on county policy," Knapp answered.

"You're all tyrants and cowards," Seubert said. "Have you people lost your minds? You're the biggest bunch of tyrants. Bill 2-08 provides protection for illegal aliens."

Seubert motioned to the front row of the audience, which included Executive Director of CASA of Maryland Gustavo Torres, and said, "You're sitting here in a room with illegal aliens and you're not doing a thing about this god**** insurrection. You're out of your minds. I am so disgraced. Not a single one of you deserve to be sitting in those seats. None of you deserve to be in front of that [American] flag."

Seubert pounded his fist on the table and got up from the table before the other testimony was finished.

Botwin said later that he was expecting some criticism, but not as much as he received. "I guess I ruined their love fest," Botwin said. "These guys are in such a fantasy land it boggles my mind."

Leventhal thanked Herminia Servat in Spanish for "her leadership, advocacy and bravery that have been so important to this movement." He added that he is confident the Council and citizens can have a civil discussion about protecting workers and, like Elrich, tried to clear up exactly what the bill is about.

"I know this bill doesn't mention anything about immigration, and it doesn't do anything about immigration," Leventhal said. He continued that he was impressed with the wide variety of activist groups and individuals who came out and voiced their opinions.

Council member Duchy Trachtenberg said she would like to make a few amendments to the bill, including one that requires the Commission for Women to retain consultants to provide employment counseling for domestic workers.

"I thought Matt [Seubert] was getting a little carried away, but the deck was stacked against us," Botwin said. "I slept fine last night."