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Immigrants sue city over taxi license policy
12.06.2011
by Ann Kim
Portland Press Herald
PORTLAND — Eleven airport taxi owners and drivers from Somalia are suing the city over a new policy that will prohibit them from using authorized representatives to renew their licenses.
The plaintiffs say the requirement for them to appear in person is a hardship, particularly for immigrants whose family situations require them to travel long distances. They also argue that the policy is contrary to a state law that requires the city to honor valid powers of attorney.
"We just see it as another piece of red tape that's put in the way of these gentlemen and trying to make it harder for them to earn a living and do business in the city," Sigmund Schutz, the group's lawyer, said Monday at a news conference about the lawsuit.
Schutz noted that his clients are not seeking any relaxation of substantive requirements such as criminal background checks, insurance and driver's licenses.
Read the complete Portland Press Herald article here.
Additional Media Coverage on this case:
Portland Daily Sun: "Taxi Drivers Cry Foul over Airport's Permit Rules" by Matthew Arco
Bangor Daily News: "Somali taxi drivers say new Portland policy aims to shut them down" by Seth Koenig
MPBN: "Immigrant Taxi Drivers Sue Portland" by Josie Huang
WMTW: "Taxi Drivers Want to Sue City"
WCSH: "Immigrant cabbies sue Portland over license renewals"
WGME: "Immigrant cab drivers sue Maine city"
Sun Journal: "Somali taxi drivers sue over new Portland policy" by Randy Billings
The Forecaster: "Immigrant taxi drivers sue Portland over airport policy" by Randy Billings
WLOB Talk Radio: Interviewed aired on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 with host Ray Richardson