Politics on the Hudson

Mayor Clinton Young welcomed the Brazilian Ambassador to City Hall this afternoon in a nod to the ever growing Brazilian population in the city.
José Alfredo Graça Lima said the city has opened its arms to Brazilians.
Brazilians were the single largest group of foreign-born Latin Americans in Mount Vernon in 2000, at 1,297, according to the U.S. Census. But many officals believe the number of Brazilians in the city is four times that number.

“Their businesses are growing and we respect and appreciate their many positives contributions,” Young said.

Young was joined by State Sen. Ruth Hassell Thompson and Police Commissioner David Chong, who urged Brazilian-Americans to become police officers.

Mount Vernon is unique in that the Brazilians have been totally embraced by the community, said Lima.

“I have been a public servant for many years and I have never experienced so much human contact,” Lima said.