Candidate barred for English deficit vows appeal
YUMA, Arizona — A city council candidate in Arizona who was barred from running because she doesn’t speak English proficiently is vowing to appeal the judge’s ruling.
Alejandrina Cabrera told the Yuma Sun that she needs to improve her command of English but said her language skills are adequate for serving the border city of San Luis, where Spanish is used as often as English.
Cabrera said the judge was unjust when he ruled she didn’t satisfy a state law requiring English proficiency for elected officials. Her attorneys say the law doesn’t define proficiency.
The issue came under scrutiny after the mayor asked the court to determine if she had the English skills. An expert testified she didn’t demonstrate proficiency on tests.
Cabrera says she will keep campaigning during the appeal.
