Governor DeWine stops by Haitian restaurant in Springfield to show support

SPRINGFIELD — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was in Springfield showing his support to the Haitian community Sunday evening.

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As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, Springfield has been at the center of the nation’s immigration debate for two weeks.

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DeWine stopped by Rose Goute Creole on S Limestone Street to get a bite to eat and speak with the community.

“I think it’s time now to kind of focus on what Springfield needs,” DeWine said.

Some of those needs include bringing more healthcare and security to the area.

But coming to the restaurant gave DeWine the opportunity to ask community members what they want.

“Gives me an opportunity to talk with people, listen to people, that’s kind of what we do,” DeWine said.

News Center 7 asked DeWine if had any updates about the possible visit from Donald Trump.

“I’ve heard absolutely nothing about that. You know, we normally will get a couple of days notice, because the Secret Service will come in, and then we kind of, kind of get a feel when that’s going to happen,” DeWine said.

DeWine later went on to say that any presidential candidate is welcomed, but it will put a strain on the community.

Earlier in the day, religious leaders across the Miami Valley hosted a prayer vigil to bring peace to Springfield.

Organizers told News Center 7 that they hope the vigil will put a stop to all the threats.

“I’m not saying that actions like this are gonna necessarily stop evil people, but it certainly sends them a message, and I do, I do believe that eventually we will stop and stop them,” Reverend Lesley Jones said.

A Haitian immigration lawyer told News Center 7 that she attended the vigil to answer any immigration status questions.

Meanwhile, DeWine said he’s working to get more resources into the city.

News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.

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