[Archived] Consumer Affairs Commission Schedules Hearing on Ways to Communicate with Non-English Speaking Residents

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2002
PIO - 104-02

Alexandria Consumer Affairs Commission Schedules Hearing to Find Better Ways to Communicate With non-English Speaking Residents

The Alexandria Consumer Affairs Commission has scheduled a public hearing for Jan. 7 to receive comments on better ways to communicate with non-English speaking residents, particularly on the topic of how to avoid dishonest or fraudulent business practices. The public hearing will be held at 7:30 pm in Room 3000 of City Hall, 301 King St.

Because of a large number of Alexandria residents are born outside the United States, for many, English is not their primary language. Commission members are concerned that non-English speakers may also be unfamiliar with American financial practices and their rights as consumers. Religious leaders, social workers, owners of ethnic restaurants, editors of foreign language newspapers and the members of the general public are encouraged to attend the public hearing.

The role of the Consumer Affairs Commission is to educate City residents about consumer issues and, where appropriate, to recommend action by the City Council.

For more information about the hearing and to sign up to speak, contact Jacqueline Levy, Alexandria Consumer Affairs Administrator, 703.838.4350.

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